Putting the finishing touches on one of the new cabin roofs, Zelli stood up and looked around. “What the heck is that sound?”
“You mean that rumbling sound?” Breezy asked, looking towards the main trail at the edge of the village. “Let’s go take a look.”
As they crossed the village, they started hearing excited voices along with the rumbling.
“Aw, that’s our friends returning from the Teacher’s Village,” Breezy said. “I think the rumbling is coming from the carts Suki and Shaun took with them. They must be hauling quite a load.”
The group of cats came into view, with Suki and Shaun in the lead. They looked tired but excited to be home.
“Hi, guys! Did you miss us?” Shaun shouted.
“What? You went somewhere? Why didn’t you say something?” Breezy said with a laugh.
“Yeah, we missed you too,” Shaun grinned.
“I’d better go tell Taniki there’s going to be more cats for dinner,” Zelli said heading off to the cookhouse.
“Let’s get our guests settled,” Isis said, “then you can tell us about what’s been happening while we’ve been gone.”
Walking out of the nearest cabin, Juni said. “Well, it just so happens that we have a bunch of empty cabins sitting here, waiting for someone to move in.”
“We’ve finished all the guest cabins except for a few details. Nicole’s already moved into one, and Cassy took another. That leaves six to choose from.”
Scanning the group, Breezy said, “It sounds like you found some new friends.”
“I’m Breezy and the cat giving away cabins is Juni.” she said waving at her friend. “Zelli is the cat who went to talk to our camp chef.”
“Hi, I’m Chantel, and this is my daughter, Gabriella,” Chantel said as she brushed trail dust from her fur.. “We’re from the Teacher’s Village.”
“They’re going to help us study the cave drawings,” Isis said.
“Chantel, why don’t you and Gabby decide which of the empty cabins you want while we unload the carts?”
“I thought there would be more cats here,” Chantel said.
“You’re right,” Benji said. “Where is everybody?”
“Well, since we finished the guest cabins,” Juni said, “we held a drawing to see who’s cabin we’d work on next.”
“Vitto and Del won the drawing,” Breezy said. “We’re glad they did. Everyone’s anxious to have them start giving their lessons.”
“Lessons?” Gabby asked. “Are they teachers too?”
“Yes, they are. They teach martial arts and general physical well-being.”
“That’s different than what we’re used to, isn’t it, Mom?” Gabby said. “Maybe we should check it out.”
“Let’s save that for later,” Chantel replied. “For now, let’s go find our cabin.”
“Let’s get these carts unloaded,” Suki said, unstrapping herself from her cart.
“The art supplies and some of the paper should go to Nicole’s cabin,” she said. “Then the rest of the paper can be divided among the other cats who need it.”
That night at dinner, all the cats were gathered around the big fir pit near the cookhouse. There were tables and benches in the common area of the cookhouse, but the cats enjoyed sitting out around the open fir pit to relax after a long workday.
Chantel and Gabriella were introduced to the group, but for now, they were content to just sit and listen to the relaxed conversation of the other cats.
“So, Vitto, you and Del are first to get your cabin built. How’s it coming along?” Benji said.
“It’s amazing how fast a cabin goes up when the entire build crew is working on it,” Vitto answered.
“Probably another two days, and we’ll be able to move in,” Del added. “Of course, it will take a while to really finish it, but with walls and a roof, it’ll be livable.”
“So, did you build it with an extra room for Kyron?” Shaun asked.
“Kyron said he was fine living in the shelter for now,” Vitto said with a shrug. “I think he wants his own cabin but hasn’t decided where to build it yet.”
“Smart boy,” Suki said as she enjoyed the fire. “There’s no hurry to make a decision like that.”
“I suppose we should explain what we’re talking about to Chantel and Gabby,” Benji said, seeing that the two looked a bit confused.
“Anyone who decides to live permanently in the Magic Valley is welcome to choose a site to build a cabin,” Benji explained. “And then while we were gone, the cats here decided to have a drawing to see who’s cabin would be built after the guest cabins were finished.”
“Does that mean that we could have our own cabin built if we decide to stay?” Gabby asked.
“That’s right, but you’ll have to put your names in with the others in the drawing,” Benji answered.
“That is unless you want to borrow some tools and build it yourself,” he said with a wink.
“You mean, you wouldn’t help us?” Chantel smiled and laughed.
With an embarrassed cough, Benji replied, “Well, of course, I would, but it would really be a better to have the whole build crew work on it.”
“Oh, I know,” Chantel grinned. “I just like to see you blush.”
That brought some snickers and a few knowing glances from the other cats.
“Taniki, the meal was delicious,” Isis said from her seat by the fire. “How are you getting along with feeding all these cats?”
“It’s going surprisingly well,” Taniki answered from where she sat with her kids. “Kyron has been keeping us well supplied with fresh game, and the kids have been a great help.”
“How’s the hunting been?” Shaun asked Kyron.
“It’s been so many years since the animals in the valley have been hunted, they actually need to be thinned out.” Kyron replied. “The whole valley will be healthier if everything is in balance.”
“We’re lucky to have you here to look after that for us,” Isis said.
Now it was Kyron’s turn to blush.
“Do you think you and Gabby would like to come with us in the morning to see the cave with all the beautiful drawings?” Star asked Chantel.
“Absolutely!” Chantel replied. “Just tell us when to meet you, and we’ll be there.”
“That is unless Gabby wants to sleep in,” she said, giving Gabby a nudge.
“Aw, Mom. I only sleep in when there’s a boring class that I don’t want to go to.”
After an early breakfast, five cats were heading up the trail to the cliffs. In the lead were Nixie and Gabby, followed by Star, Chantel, and Nicole.
“It must be so exciting helping Star and Nicole copy the drawings,” Gabby said as they entered the clearing at the base of the cliffs.
“Well, it was at first,” Nixie said, “but Star and Nicole are doing the interesting work. I’m just taking care of the lights and making sure those two have whatever they need.”
“Don’t believe her for a minute,” Star said from behind them. “She spends every spare minute studying the drawings. Mom and I are studying the details while we’re copying the images, but Nixie is looking at whole areas of the drawings. She probably has a better idea of their meanings than any of us.”
“I do have my ideas about the story they tell,” Nixie said, “but I can’t wait to hear what Gabby and Chantel say after they get a look at the drawings.”
“You might be surprised,” Chantel said as she joined them. “What we thought we knew might need to be revised since the blue light shiners revealed thousands of images that we’d never seen before.”
“Don’t discount what you think you know about the drawings. You’re seeing them with fresh eyes, while Gabby and I might be influenced by what we thought we knew.”
“Thanks for that,” Nixie replied. “At Mystic Village, we’ve learned that everyone of us is important and should be listened to. Many of us are discovering hidden talents we didn’t know we had.”
“That’s true,” Nicole added, “Magic Valley seems to bring out the best in each of us.”
“If you guys are ready,” Nicole said, “let’s get up to the cave. I’ll show you the way.”
Before long, they were standing on the ledge outside the cave.
Chantel spoke up. “If you don’s mind, rather than have you use your bright shiners, I like to see the drawings with their full colors. I talked Shaun out of one of his ‘defective shiners,’ so let’s use that at first.”
“Fine by me,” Nicole said, “I’ve almost forgotten what they looked like when Kikki and Cisco were grinding the minerals by hand.”
Chantel shook the dim shiner to life and handed it to Nicole. “Please lead the way.”
Star and Nixie let Chantel and Gabby go ahead of them, and after a zig and a zag, they were standing in the main chamber.
On seeing the drawings lit by the soft blue light, there was a gasp from Chantel and a tiny, high-pitched squeal from Gabby.
“Oh, Mom, look at these, and those! Oh my, just look at them all!” Gabby exclaimed excitedly.
“Yes, Gabby,” Chantel replied, looking a bit stunned. “They’re really quite wonderful. I wish your grandmother was here to see them.”
Nicole handed the shiner to Chantel. “Go ahead and take a few minutes to study the drawings. I’d like to hear your first impressions.”
Chantel and Gabby went along the walls, talking to each other and pointing out details. After they’d made their way along both walls, they returned to the three cats who had been watching their progress.
Handing the shiner back to Nicole, Chantel said, “Before we share our thoughts, I think Gabby and I should take a few minutes to write down some notes while everything is fresh in our minds.”
“I knew it was a good idea to bring in teachers to help us,” Star said. “Nixie can show you where there’s a table and stools at the back of the chamber. You can set up there to do your writing.”
“You know, Nixie,” Nicole said, “I actually prefer working under the original blue light. We need to talk to Shaun and Suki about making a couple of dim shiners for the rocking light thingy.”
“I agree,” Star said, “We gave up on the original blue light because the shiners were so much easier to use, but now with the dim shiners, we absolutely should switch to them.”
“I’ll mention it to Shaun tonight,” Nixie said.
Nixie showed Chantel and Gabby the table and left them a shiner to use. They dug in their packs for quills and paper and immediately started writing down their first impressions of the drawings.
“I’m just making a simple list of individual thoughts,” Chantel told Gabby. “I just want to get them down before they fade.”
“I’ll do the same,” Gabby replied.
Both cats were quiet for a while, with only the sound of quills scratching on paper being heard.
Star and Nicole were still discussing whether to use the dim shiner or continue with the bright light.
“For making our initial sketches, I don’t think the bright colors really help,” Star said. “They might even be a little distracting.”
“I see what you mean,” Nicole replied. “Besides, if we change the light source now, our sketches won’t be consistent from start to finish.”
“We definitely want to use the dim light for our full color copies though,” Star stated.
After a bit, standing and stretching, Nicole said, “Well, I’m done with my section. Let me know when you’re ready to move to the next set of panels. I’m going outside to get a little fresh air.”
“Alright, Mom,” Star replied. “I won’t be much longer, then I’ll join you outside while Nixie sets us up at the next sections.”
Nixie had just finished moving Nicole and Star’s stuff to the new positions when Chantel called to her.
“Nixie, can we talk for a minute?”
“Sure, what can I do for you?”
“Gabby and I are done writing down what caught our interests on our first view of the drawings. I think it would be helpful if you’d write down your thoughts about what the drawings are trying to tell us.”
“I can do that. Just let me go tell Nicole and Star that they can get back to work anytime they want. Then if you’ll lend me a quill and paper, I’ll start writing what I think I know and what has me confused.”
When Nicole and Star were back sketching, and Nixie was at the table with her quill and paper, Chantel touched Gabby on the shoulder and stood up.
“Gabby and I are ready to head back to the village. We’ll get with you three when you get back this evening to share our ideas. Nixie, would you bring your notes with you?”
“Hang on a second, you’d better let me light the way out for you,” Nixie said, reaching for her shiner. “That passageway is darker than you might think.”
On their walk back to the village, Gabby couldn’t help but notice that her mom seemed to be bothered by something.
“You noticed something, didn’t you?” Gabby said with a concerned look of her own.
“There were quite a few things that I don’t understand,” Chantel replied, “but there were a couple of images that have me a little worried. We need more than just a quick look though. Right now all we have is vague impressions.”
On a different subject, Chantel grinned, “I know how you like to sleep in. What do you think about sleeping all day?”
“I think there’s a catch here,” Gabby replied with a skeptical look.
“I’m thinking that we could study the drawings at night when Nicole and Star aren’t there,” Chantel said. “At least that way we wouldn’t have to wait to get a copy to study. We need to talk Shaun out of some of those dim shiners.”
At the village, they found Suki and Shaun at their workshop.
Suki looked up as they approached. “Hi guys, how are you getting on? Find anything interesting?”
“Oh, you know, just a few drawings here and there,” Chantel replied with a laugh.
“We’re hoping you could help us out with a few of those dim shiners.”
“Well, it just so happens that we’ve already started on a new batch,” Shaun said, standing and brushing dust off his hands. “We’re going to have to build up a good supply of those.”
“One other thing,” Chantel added, “Nixie is going to ask you to make up a couple of dim shiners for the rocker light thingy. Though I don’t think they’re going to need them right away.”
“At least we have a fair amount of that ‘special ingredient’ that we need for the dim shiners,” Shaun said.
“We’re going to have to produce a quantity of the ‘secret ingredient’ that makes the bright shiners possible,” Suki said. “I wonder if we should recruit some help for that.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Shaun said. “Maybe have them produce some of each type. We’re going to need quite a bit of both.”
“But then again, maybe we don’t want too many cats to know just what those ingredients are.”
“You’re probably right about that.” Suki agreed as she handed Chantel a couple of the dim shiners.
At their cabin, Chantel and Gabby set their packs by the door and got out their notes to go over what they’d written earlier at the cave. Occasionally one or the other would add something new or underline an item already in their notes.
Finally putting down their notes, Chantel told Gabby, “Why don’t you finish with that and then take a nap? We made an early start this morning, and we might be heading back to the cave tonight.”
“Okay, Mom, just don’t let me sleep past dinner.”
“You’ve got it. I’ll be back in a few hours,” Chantel replied. “I’m going to talk some things over with Isis.”
Leaning in the doorway at Isis’s cabin, Chantel said, “Have you got a minute to talk?”
“Sure, what’s up?”
“Gabby and I got our first look at the drawings this morning,” Chantel said. “There are a few things we need to discuss.”
“That sounds serious,” Isis said, leaving what she was working on, sitting on the counter.
Wiping her hands on her apron, she motioned to a chair and said, “Get comfortable, I’ll get us some tea.”
When they were both situated with mugs of tea in hand, Isis said, “Okay, what did you find?”
“Mind you, this is all preliminary,” Chantel began, “but remember, we’re trained researchers, so we can get a pretty good overview with just a quick scan. Then we can go back and dig deeper to fill out the details.”
“Okay, start with what you think is most important right now,” Isis said, settling back to listen.
“To start with, the first part of the drawing portrayed the legend of the plague and the cure made from the violet flowers,” Chantel explained. “But it wasn’t a retelling of the legend, it was being told by the people who were actually there.”
“That makes all this more real than just a retold legend. And that brings us to the first item of importance. We didn’t see anything that looked like instructions for making the cure for the plague.”
Isis sat up and asked fearfully, “Are you sure of that? We’re going to need that cure!”
“No, I’m not sure,” Chantel quickly replied. “We’re going to continue to study the drawings, and with the help of my mother and the resources at the Village of the Teachers, I’m sure we’ll learn everything the drawings can tell us.”
“I did notice some things that might point to other resources that we need to check out.”
“Well, that gives us some hope then,” Isis said, taking a sip of tea, her hand only shaking a little.
“I think it’s important to get those copies of the drawings made,” Chantel said. “I want to get a set of them to my mother at the Teacher’s village. I want her to get them to herself, but it’ll help her to use the libraries at the village.”
“I think they’ll be done with the sketches in a couple of days,” Isis said. “Then they’ll start on the color reproductions. After that, they’ll just be making copies of the sketches and the color drawings while sitting in their cabin instead of working in the cave.”
“That’s the other thing I wanted to talk about,” Chantel went on. “Gabby and I don’t want to get in the way of their work, so we were thinking of studying the drawings at night after Nicole and Star have finished for the day.”
“That’s an excellent idea,” Isis said, “but you can’t very well be walking the forest trails and climbing cliffs by yourself at night.”
“You’re right,” Chantel grinned, “I was hoping to ask Benji to come along and keep an eye on us.”
“Oh, I think we can arrange that.” Isis chuckled. “When did you want to start?”
“I was hoping to start tonight, but Benji’s been building cabins all day, so he won’t feel like working all night on top of that.”
“I wouldn’t worry about Benji.” Isis said, “He can always take a nap at the cave while you and Gabby are studying.”
“Alright then, I’ll talk to him at dinner tonight.” Chantel said with a smile.
That evening at dinner, Gabby was sitting with the other younger cats, talking and laughing at whatever it is that young cats talk and laugh about.
Chantel and Benji were having a somewhat serious discussion.
“Your idea of doing your studies at the cave at night makes a lot of sense,” Benji was saying, “but I have to say I’m not crazy about the idea of you traipsing through the forest in the dark.”
“Well, besides the fact that I don’t even know how to traipse,” Chantel laughed, “I don’t like that idea either.”
“I’d like to keep working with the building crew,” Benji said, “but there’s no reason I can’t escort you either coming or going.”
“Aw, I see what you mean,” Chantel grinned. “If we go in the evening when it’s still light, we shouldn’t have a problem. Then, after eight hours or so, you show up and walk with us back to the village.”
“I think,” Benji said, “I might prefer if we went to the cave at night. I could come back to the village and get a good night’s sleep before going back to work on the cabins. You’d be free to come home anytime after sunrise.”
“I think that will work very well,” Chantel said, resting a hand on his arm, smiling at the scene of all the cats relaxing around the fire.
As they were sitting, enjoying the evening, Nixie walked up.
“You look so comfortable, I hate to interrupt,” she said, “but I wanted to ask you a favor.”
“I’m not sure what I can do for you,” Benji said, trying to look serious, “but I can certainly try.”
“I’m not talking to you, idiot,” Nixie laughed. “I was talking to Chantel.”
“Well, now, I don’t know what to say,” Benji replied acting hurt.
“Okay, you two, enough of that,” Chantel said. “What can I do for you Nixie?”
“Well, I would very much like to work with you and your daughter,” Nixie said. “Those drawings have me intrigued. I swear they seem to be talking to me.”
“I’d love to have you join us,” Chantel told her. “I could see you had a real feeling for the drawings when we talked earlier and you showed us your notes from the cave. But aren’t you supposed to be helping Star and Nicole?”
“Yes I am, but I think I’ve found a solution. I was talking to Taniki this evening, asking how it was going with cooking for the village and raising her kids. She mentioned that Jen was getting to that age where young cats get a little ‘restless.’ When I brought up the idea of Jen working with Star and Nicole at the cave, Jen jumped at the idea, and I think Taniki was relieved to have something to direct Jen’s energy to.”
“I talked to Star and Nicole and they’re fine with the idea,” Nixie concluded. “So, I guess that means I’ll be working with you.”
Chantel said, “We’ve decided to go to the cave late at night and work there until sunrise. That way we’ll have the drawings all to ourselves all night, and we won’t be getting in Nicole and Star’s way.”
“Benji here,” she said, patting his arm, “has volunteered to walk with us at night.”
“He doesn’t want us getting lost,” she grinned.
“You wouldn’t want him to have to worry about that,” Nixie chuckled.
“We’ll stop by and collect you when we head out tonight.” Chantel said.
“Sounds good,” Nixie said looking around the clearing, “I’ll go find Jen and let her know to meet up with Star and Nicole in the morning, and to pack a lunch.”