September 25th, 2026

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.