Forest Guardians Chronicles: A Matter of Humanity by Beth Roose (smart ebook reader TXT) 📗

heat. Travis has been working with Vue and Tas to disrupt and try displacing as many residents as possible. At Bev’s farm they killed her rabbit stock and left a bloody footprint as a signature card that the Hairy Tribe did this. Many residents are afraid. Several of the farm families have left in fear of the Pukwudgie Tribe and Hairy Tribe.  The alien race of the Skrull have already started drilling for gold. Not one resident has questioned what is going on because they are disguised as the Utility company.” The entire Tribe was shocked. Cleg asked if anyone had seen Vue or Tas. All shrugged their shoulders and said no. Cleg asked for volunteers to form a search party and search every inch of the Park for the two of them. He stressed to not harm them if possible. They must face the tribal council for their punishment.

Princess Celia told the tribe she would go to Bev and explain the deception Travis was enacting on her - the plan of gaining control of the farm, as he had already done to the Urbank farm. “He informed Denise that he would protect her farm so she could flee the area to stay with relatives around the Mohican area. I hope Travis is not at the farm. I need to talk to Bev alone. Cleg, may I take Bitty with me to talk to Bev? She finds great comfort with Bitty and I believe Bitty feels comfort with her.” The Princess looked over to Bitty who was still sitting on Aggie’s lap. Bitty jumped down and ran to the Princess. “Daddy, can I go? Please, oh please!” asked Bitty. Cleg answered, “Yes, of course.”  The Princess looked at Cleg and said, “You will see Ja’al again. She will be just as you remember her while she was here.” Cleg lowered his head. The Princess reached for his face and told him, “Ja’al would want no more tears. She would want you to be the strong leader you are and drive this alien race out of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Now, Bitty and I will go find Bev, and you take care of the rest of the plan.”  Princess Celia took Bitty’s hand and a brilliant flash of light illuminated the clearing. And they were gone.  Cleg let out a roar and started talking for what seemed like hours, devising a clear plan for everyone of the Tribe as well as Zongo and his Tribe.

The Princess and Bitty burst through the light and on the porch of Bev’s house. She knocked on the door. Freda heard the knock and stayed quiet.  Princess Celia called out Bev’s name. Princess heard a car coming down the long driveway.  She pulled Bitty into the dark corner that wrapped the deck around the side of the house. Just as she thought, it was Travis. She looked at Bitty who was clinging to her waist. “No noise, Bitty. I need you totally silent.” She put her finger on Bitty’s mouth. Travis opened the car door, stepped out and straightened his tie and suit coat. He walked to the door and opened the door and yelled for Bev. There was no answer. He thought to himself he could go through the house and see what she had. He looked through the drawers and cupboards in the kitchen. He found a beautiful Imperial Porcelain coffee set which he knew was expensive. He moved to the living room and the first thing he saw was a painting by Marion Rose. It was a beautiful horse head. He was almost giddy at the priceless items Bev had. He ran up the steps and found so much more antique jewelry and furniture.

Freda could hear Travis. She was afraid for herself and the newborn Hazel she was caring for. She could hear him walking up the stairs. She could not hide. The door opened and Travis walked in and saw Freda. He walked cautious toward her. Freda made her neck long and head up and extended her wings flapping them at him. He grabbed one of her wings and twisted it, breaking her wing. She screamed in pain. She could feel Hazel beneath her, wiggling. Freda was going to protect Hazel, no matter what.  Travis grabbed her neck pulling her toward him. She braced herself and stiffened so she would not move. He moved toward her face as he shapeshifted into his alien form. Freda reeled back in horror. She screeched so loud that Princess Celia heard it at the same time Bev pulled in. Apparently, Travis heard her pull in and came running from the attic and out of the house toward her. He grabbed her and twirled her and told her how much he missed her, and that he was ready to purchase the dress for the wedding tomorrow. She looked puzzled and told Travis, “Well, I missed you, too. We can get a cup of coffee and we will be on our way. Oh, I want to go now. I need to put the milk in the fridge. Then we will go.”

“Alright! I am so excited to see you in a dress.” She shook her head. He followed her into the kitchen and watched her put the milk away. He grabbed her hand and pulled her out the door and opened the door to the car. “After you,” Travis said. She got in. Travis shut the door, then ran around to the driver side and jumped in. He started the car, got the car into gear and out of the driveway they left. Princess Celia and Bitty stepped back into the sunlight. They heard Freda in the attic and ran in the house and up the steps. There lay Freda with her broken wing and her feathers on her neck looked stripped off like she was strangled. The Princess touched Freda's broken wing. The light grew a brilliant blue green color and was radiating an uncomfortable heat.  Freda