Don't Forget

The time had come for Meredith and the shaman to leave the people of the Third World. As Meredith was turning to go, Wild Fire hurried up to them, holding the beaded pouch.

"Here is the sacred herb that we prepared together, which comes from your journey through the first Worlds. Its medicine is very strong. Use it sparingly and well. You will know when the time is right. Use it to heal the Earth." 

There was no more time for words, for Shaman Far Heart touched her saying, "We must go now."

Goodbyes

"We must hurry," said the shaman. "Danger draws near."

At the mouth of the cave, Meredith turned to look once more at the Ancient Ones. They were standing in a group just as she had seen them in the cave painting. Only, Gray Dawn had grown larger and more transparent. "Great Spirit," breathed White Buffalo Calf Woman, as she followed the shaman.

Explosion

They hurried away from the innermost cave of the ancients. As they passed through the middle cave, a gigantic explosion threw them to the ground. The shaman swiftly pulled Meredith behind a sheltering rock. Stones were falling all around them. They huddled where they were, for now safe from harm. 

But the shaman soon urged her on. "There is smoke in the air," he said, casting around for the source of danger. "Fire will follow soon. We must go!"

Gunpowder

Meredith trusted his keen senses and ran after him through the falling debris. "This way," he called, drawing her around a bend in the rock. Now she could smell the smoke. The air was full of sulfur.

"Ah, now I understand the explosion. The sulfur and potash in the cave ignited, like a natural gunpowder, and blew up. We are lucky to be alive, but we must get away from the fumes."

Meredith was coughing. She could barely breathe, and flames were bursting from the innermost cave, rapidly coming towards them. The shaman urged her forward once more and they fled into the outermost cave where the air was less toxic.

Hummingbird

"At last," said Meredith, gasping for breath and leaning gratefully against the cave wall, "but what about the ancient ones! They must be in terrible danger," she cried as she suddenly remembered them.

"Don't worry, they are safe," said the shaman. "With their gift of foresight, they will have seen the danger coming, and will have found shelter."

Just then, the little green-headed hummingbird appeared before them. "Dear hummingbird! You are always here when I need you. We must find the sipapu." The bright little bird flew up into the ceiling of the cave, then returned to signal them to follow. Meredith struggled to her feet and stumbled forward.