Following the stream, until it disappeared underground, the Scrufflings and Bar-thur, with Samul as their guide, traversed the twisting and turning path of the Deep Road between the canyon walls. Hoopy counted turns as they began their journey, memorizing the forks and turnings from Mihael to the tunnel. “Bar-thur, remember this,” Hoopy nudged the bear, and Bar-thur nodded, “We will need to find our way back.”

As nightfall came, they saw the now familiar opening of the cave. They entered its darkness by slipping through the narrow crack behind the fallen stone slab with a customary “Ouch” from Bar-thur.

Samul reached up and got a lamp high above in a niche close above the opening. Lighting it, he handed it to Pata-Pikki, who was surprised he hadn’t seen it and wondered if Nonna or Barthur could have reached it. They thanked their guide, who turned and disappeared back into the canyon. 

With light showing the way, they descended to the cave's sandy bottom and slept again near the underground lake, discussing the new understanding of the name of the One- The Lord Yeshua. The Holy Name of God filled them with joy, knowing now the name of He, who spoke to them, and of the Three.

Waking, they ate a hasty breakfast and continued along the Deep Road until they reached the point of their descent. Climbing, they found themselves among the Rolling Hills, with an outline of the western forest in the distance.
“Hatch, you are our guide. Find a path that will take us to the Forest Beings,” Pata-Pikki barked.

Hatch flew off Pata-Pikki’s shoulder and high into the air. The Scrufflings watched as she became a speck in the air and then was back again, fluttering about them. “This way,” she twittered as she pointed with her wing and settled on
Pata-Pikki’s shoulder.

“I don’t hear anything or see Strange Contraptors about, but we must make haste to the forests where we have cover,” Pata-Pikki barked.

In agreement, the Scrufflings kept the forest above the Rolling Hills in sight as their goal. After a half-day, they crept upwards over rocks, pulling themselves up on roots and low-hanging branches into the forest with its cover of leaf and shadow. Breathing a sigh of relief, they saw no evidence of Strange Contraptors. They were hopeful that the Narflbots had stopped their search for Nonna.

“Where to now, Hatch?” gruffled Bar-thur.

“Let’s follow the edge of the forest,” suggested Hatch to Pata-Pikki.
“It will be about a half-day journey for you on foot. I will fly high to see where we are by then,” she twittered, shaking her wings. Pata-Pikki filled them in on the details.

“We’ll find it, Hatch. Don’t worry,” barked Flur-Ella.

Hoopy looked around at the trees and shrubs about him. He needed to remember this place. Nudging Pata-Pikki, who nodded, for Pata-Pikki understood his concern. Looking behind, they lined up the landscape where they left the Deep Road with its cliffs, hoping to recognize it upon their return. Hoopy jabbed Bar-thur, who also looked and nodded.

They continued undisturbed along the forest's edge for most of the morning. Bird calls and the rustling of trees were the only sounds they heard. They stopped and drank from a small stream that fell to the hills below. A lake spread out between the mounds of sand, and strange horned, deer-like creatures drank from it. A line of trees outlined what they assumed was a continuation of the water flowing from the lake.  A soft, little breeze floated aloft, and the croaking of a large black bird sitting in a tree came from it. Pata-Pikki smiled at its rasping voice.

As evening approached, Hatch flew again high into the air to see if she recognized any landmarks. Alighting on Pata-Pikki’s shoulder, she announced, “I see a path. I noticed it on the way. It is a little further to the south. If we follow that, it will lead us to High Horns and the Forest Beings,” she trilled excitedly. Listening to Pata-Pikki’s translation, they were pleased their destination was near.

“Let’s keep moving and see how far we can get before daybreak,” Hoopy barked. Flur-Ella and Bar-thur agreed.
“Yes, finding our friends as soon as possible will be best.” woofed Pata-Pikki. His warm brown eyes lost their worry and took on a look of hope.

As they moved, they heard crickets and night birds. When the light of dawn filled the sky, Hatch, who had been riding on Pata-Pikki’s shoulder, took her head out from under her wing, shook her feathers, and looked around.
“This feels like the right place. We need to be watchful as daylight comes. A Strange Contraptor has been standing in the trees. I ran into its side, not knowing it was there. It scared me! I feel uncomfortable here,” she twittered nervously, “even though the weather is nice.” The Scrufflings paid close attention, trying to understand her.

Pata-Pikki asked, “Did you understand that?”

The group was beginning to understand Hatch’s peeping, which surprised them as they had known her for so long and had not understood. Pata-Pikki only needed to fill them in on a small portion of what she said.

As the sun rose, Bar-thur, the tallest, saw the glint of metal in the trees. “Stop!” he growled, “Look there.” He pointed into the distance. “A Strange Contraptor!”

They ducked low and crept further to the south until they could not see the machine. Moving more cautiously, Flur-Ella asked Hatch, “How far now?”

Hatch flew into the air again to get a higher perspective and soon returned. She seemed nervous, flitting her wings and tail, as she stood on Flur-Ella’s shoulder. “There is something amiss. I feel it but don’t know what it is.”

The Scrufflings refilled their water gourds, tucking them into their packs. They thanked the Farmer Man before retracing their steps along the woodland track that led back to the Homes.

Hatch, who stood on Pata-Pikki’s shoulder, trilled, “I'm so confused. Can we find the hills?” Pata-Pikki translated, and Bar-thur became pensive.

“How are we to find Father Mitrophan?” Flur-Ella whined in her uncertainty, and then added,  “We are early.”
They clambered up the forested hillside. A soft breeze ruffled Pata-Pikki’s ears as he turned north. Shortly they reached the trail that led to the Homes.

“It will be easier if we separate the food into our packs,” Flur-Ella snuffled. She opened the sack and split the contents between them. There were long orange roots and brown ones, which Flur-Ella sniffed, and divided between them. “Pick two of these. Here are white roots that smell heavenly and dried sweet fruit.” Their packs bulged with the new provisions, and they felt heartened and ready to resume their journey.

As they neared the Homes, it was late afternoon, and they discussed when Samul might appear. “We will go to the Home of The Lord Yeshua.” Pata-Pikki gruffled. As he said the name, a deep warmth spread throughout his heart and body, confirming to him, The One Who Lives and Yeshua of the Wilding was the same.  Agreeing, they walked along the lane in front of the cottages, as they drew near the great Home, its domes and spires made it easy to find, and its great height and size filled them again with awe.

As they waited, they studied the colored designs on the exterior. Wildings stood with glowings around their heads, and plants and flowers twined up the walls. The hall's beauty moved their hearts with a sense of blessing and awe. The singing was audible, while wonderfully spicy smells whispered through the cracks in the doorway. Soon Samul came out, stopping in surprise. “You are here! I was just about to fetch you for the celebration.”

Pata-Pikki bowed low and told him of Hatch’s news. Hatch explained, but she was emotional, and many peeps were not recognizable as words. They asked to speak to Father Mitrophan.

Flur-Ella piped up, “We will need a guide to the cave and the Rolling Hills again- if you can show us the way?

“I am sorrowed that your friends are in danger from the Narflbots. I will tell Father Mitrophan your story and convey that you want to speak to him.” Samul entered the large double doors and disappeared while scented smoke floated from the opening into the air around them.

Shortly, Father Mitrophan came out of the door, followed by Nonna. She rushed to them, embracing them with tears in her eyes. Turning to her father, she cried, “Surely the Forest Beings who have lost their homes can live here?”
Father Mitrophan raised his hand in blessing. “May it be blessed! You will be in our prayers as you travel. May The Lord Yeshua lead you through this difficulty, and return you to us in good health. Samul, lead them to the cave while it is still light; you will find your way from there.”

“Nonna, fill a bag with Phora for them to carry,” Father Mitrophan exclaimed.

Pata-Pikki was curious, for The One Who Lives, Yeshua, was ever on his mind, “You have provided for our needs in everything! May I ask you yet another question, Father Mitrophan?”

“Certainly; what is it, Pata-Pikki?”

“Is Yeshua in your Hall?”

“Yes! We don’t see Him like we see each other but feel His presence, direction, and love for us. Our knowledge comes from Seekers who unearth buildings existing before the Great Fire. They find information about Him. They have found that He is named Yeshua or Jesus. Yeshua means to save and deliver. These names are His. He is One of Three that act together in unison and harmony, One God and Three beings that act as One, The Father, The Son- Yeshua, and The Holy Spirit, who The Lord Yeshua has sent to us. The Holy Spirit brings life. We worship the One, as those before the Great Fire worshiped Him.”

“Before the beginning, he was with the Father, the Creator of life. Yeshua was born as a man, so He could give us a path to change our failings by confessing them. He came as a man to repair an ancient damage that created a fall of humanity and creation, falling away from love and into selfishness. He wants only to forgive, as He loves man and His creatures. He wants us to be one with Him, for God is loving, kind, and filled with care for all. Yeshua is both man and God at once. In even more ancient times, mystic foresight spoke of His coming.”

“We call Him the Lord Yeshua, or Christ, to say that He was more than a man; he was also God and the One who was sent. Sometimes we say Lord or Master in place of His Holy Name.”

Pata-Pikki understood how these people felt.  He saw Love as the key to understanding the belief of the Scrufflings and the Forest Beings, and in the way Fr. Mitrophan explained Yeshua. Yet there was more about The One Who Lives than he had known. He was awed at how much more they knew about Him. The Lord Yeshua! Christ Jesus- and a Father and Holy Spirit who are One with Him!

In his heart, he spoke to the One above him. ‘I will call You Lord now, as I am one with these folk.’ Men! Mankind- the Wildings! He was amazed to realize they were men. ‘You talk to me as a guide, a friend, and the One who loves me- and now I know your Name!’ His heart swelled with joy. This information was important! It would be a revelation to the Forest Beings and the Scrufflings!

Nonna came through the doors with a bag of small squares of Phora and gave it to Bar-thur.

Honoring their hosts, they bowed low and thanked them. With Samul, they turned towards the tunnel leading to the Deep Road and onto the Rolling Hills.

The sunlight flashed on the shiny metal cap and arm of the Wilding, who sat quietly, close to the fire. A long, white beard spilled down the front of his grey shirt and partially covered his ragged pants. The kind look on his face replaced any fear that he was Narflbot, though the hat and arm showed otherwise. He certainly was an Olding who had seen many years.

“Dear ones, come sit by the fire and warm yourselves.” He motioned with his metal hand to the fire. Patting the log on which he sat, he said, “Flur-Ella, come, sit here.” When he patted the tree truck, beautiful green moss gently curled up and spread on its surface, covering it like a cushion.

Flur-Ella looked astonished and stepped back. She looked at Pata-Pikki. He nodded to her and followed her to the log with the soft moss cushion. Hoopy and Bar-thur sat on a log opposite the fire while Bar-thur eyed the Olding suspiciously.

“You have come a long way,” the Olding said softly. “You will find perfect homes in that direction,” he said, pointing over Bar-thur’s shoulder. “But for now, wait here; someone is looking for you.”

“You must be the Farmer Man,” said Pata-Pikki. “The One Who Lives tells me, and I think the moss gives you away.” A smile played around Pata-Pikki’s dark eyes. “Nonna has told us about your ability to grow things.”

“Ah, you have found me out,” the Farmer Man laughed.

 “You are away from your home?” Hoopy asked.

“Yes, the Narflbots burned my home and fields,” the Farmer Man replied.

“You don’t seem unhappy,” Bar-thur growled.

“The One Who Lives, as you call Him, has given me other things,” the Farmer Man smiled and shrugged. “He will lead me. Good comes from what might seem bad.”

“You are thirsty. A small spring bubbles from the rock wall behind us and holds sweet water. Help yourselves. Your friend will be here soon.”

The forest friends perked up at the mention of water. Taking cups from their packs, they dipped into the crystal water, which filled a large flat stone basin. Hoopy, last in line, filled his cup and followed his companions back to the fire. “Who are we waiting for?” he asked.

The Farmer Man replied, “Be still for now. The answer will come soon enough.”

“What are the homes you spoke of?” Flur-Ella asked with a note of longing -in her snuffle. She wanted a new home terribly.

“The Lord Yeshua tells me they lie in that direction.” Cocking his head and looking up, the Farmer Man added, “Your friend is here.” They heard a flutter of sound, and looking up, they saw Hatch perching on the branch above them.

 “Oh dear, I wasn’t sure I would find you in this wilderness of rock! I am so glad to see you! We need your help, Pata-Pikki, all of you! I come from High Horns, our leader. The Narflbots have found us. They are hunting us, and already we have lost some of our friends! One of the Cat Folk and two of the rabbit clan have disappeared. We fear they will find us all. Where can we go for safety?”

“I was so tired I could not fly any farther. I stopped, and here you are. Oh my, oh, my!”

Pata-Pikki jumped to his feet. “We will help! Can you lead us to the others?  Perhaps we can all live here in peace.” He turned to the Farmer Man. “Will that be possible?”

“Father Mitrophan must give the blessing,” the Farmer Man responded quietly. 

Pata-Pikki repeated Hatch’s plea to the others. Hoopy cried out, and Bar-thur growled most frightfully. Flur-Ella cried, “Of course! We have food. If we fill our water gourds, we can march again for many days.”

“Thank you for your hospitality.” Pata-Pikki bowed low in front of the Farmer Man.

“The High King, the Lord Yeshua, be with you, granting your return, with length of days before you.” The Farmer Man stood and bowed low to the Forest Beings.

“I will be here when you return. My prayers travel with you.”                                         

 The scents of the forest hovered around them. Feeling joy at the touch of bark and leaf again, Bar-thur reached down, picked up a fat cone on the ground, sniffed it, and chewed it thoughtfully. “Quite tasty,” he gruffed.
“I’m hungry; let’s look in the bag,” Hoopy remarked, looking earnestly at the bulging bag in Bar-Thur’s paw and wondering what might be inside. He thought of the possibilities and drooled.
Finding a sunny clearing, they sat on a log and began to pull out the treasures that Nonna had given them. Sampling the bag's contents with smiling faces, Hoopy snuffled through his mustache with his mouth full. “What good roots!”
Flur-Ella smiled and pulled out a Scruffling stick that was in her bag. She loved Scruffling bars, especially dipped honey. She chewed happily.
A ticklish smell of beetles came to Bar-thur’s nose, a very enticing scent. His nose led him to the bottom of a nearby tree, and he began snuffling and digging around the roots.
Pata-Pikki heard a faint, sweet breeze from a deeper place in the forest. As he chewed on a long root, he listened. He half-closed his eyes and began to listen inwardly.  He saw an old Wilding in his heart, but was it a Wilding?
On the Olding’s head was a metal cap; without a doubt, he had a Narflbot metal arm, which made Pata-Pikki feel suspicious of him, but his face wore a sweet expression, and a sense of humor played around his mouth and eyes. Never had Pata-Pikki seen a Narflbot that looked so kind. He wore shabby and stained clothing and seemed someone out of the ordinary.
“Come when you are through eating, and we will talk.” The strange Wilding was talking to him! Pata-Pikki sat up with a start.
“What is it, Pata-Pikki?” woofed Flur-Ella.
“Is everyone ready to go?” Pata-Pikki asked.
“I can eat and walk,” answered Hoopy in surprise.
Looking up from the freshly dug hole under a tree and happily chewing on a root hanging from his mouth, Bar-thur snuffled, “I’m ready.” 
Flur-Ella, repacked her bag and quizzed Pata-Pikki, “Where are we going?”
“Into the trees, deeper in,” woofed Pata-Pikki, pointing with his paw, “there is a dense forest -someone there wants to talk to us.”
The Scrufflings entered a grove of deep-green trees and climbed a small hill, following a faint path. A thicket of dense, leafless trees grew below.  They entered the forest of tall white trunks with barren branches reaching skyward. Pata-Pikki stopped and listened for the breeze. In answer to his search, the breeze whispered in his ear. He turned to the left. “This way,” he woofed to the others.
The breeze was full of joy. Pata-Pikki chuckled as he walked because the wind had funny things to say. In his mind, he saw Scruffle-Pups playing, tumbling around, and rolling down a grassy hill.
“What are you laughing at, Pata-Pikki?” Flur-Ella said. “What is so funny?”
“The breeze... it was telling me something,” Pata-Pikki snuffled over his laughter. Hoopy looked at him curiously.
As they walked, the smell of smoke began to touch their noses. Breaking into deeper woods, they found a Wilding sitting on a log close to a small fire warming himself.
“Who is it?” growled Bar-thur.
“It’s an Olding,” Pata-Pikki responded. “A Wilding... do not be afraid. He wants to talk to us.”