What Was It You Said?

 

            “I mentioned that I liked that Wolf, Maeve,” said Ramona. “I thought he was off for home. Why did you say you like him? Are you expecting him back?” Ramona looked at the big black bird expectantly.
Maeve strutted about on Ralph’s shoulder, muttering to herself for a bit.
            “I’m not sure myself why I said it that way. But now that I think it through, no. I don’t believe he is gone yet,” Maeve said, “you know what? I think he’s still around here.”
            “What makes you think so?” Ramona wondered.
            “Easy!  I can see him. And there he is!” said Maeve, pointing with her big beak back towards the pathway into the trees.
            And as a matter of fact, there came Wolf, emerging from the fog again.
            He looked a little embarrassed, if a wolf can look embarrassed. Maybe it was something in the way he held his head down, looking off to the side. He even licked his lips, as if preparing to speak before an audience.
            “There’s something you don’t see every day,” said Ralph, cheerfully. “Back so soon, Wolf? What can we do to help?”
            Since it was evening now, the flames flickered in a homely fashion, lighting up Ralph’s broad face. Wolf came to his side and sat there on his haunches for a few minutes gazing into the fire. He looked deeply feral. His eyes reflected the dancing flames.
            Ramona and the children and cats had gone off to bed in the cave, so it was only the two of them sitting out there by the fire.
            At last he spoke. “Your Firekeeper is very faithful and beautiful.”
            “That she is, Wolf. What’s on your mind,” asked Ralph, softly, trying not to make a big deal of anything to put Wolf at ease if he could.
            “I got to thinking of the gift of speech, and also conscience. And though I must have the power to bestow it, like you did to me, but I’m not sure how to go about it.  I remember you sang a song, but since I was non-speaking, when I heard the words they meant little to me, and I can’t remember those words.
            “What if I approached one of my own kind, or even a child of the feral Forest People at home and at the last moment realized that I didn’t know the song, or what to say?” said Wolf.
            “I see. I didn’t include confidence in the song,” said Ralph. “You know, you don’t really need a song. Not sure for sure.  The Shining One who told me to speak didn’t sing a song. It’s just that I know how to build a song that works. That’s just how I do it.”
            “Well, could you teach me your song anyhow, it would make me feel better,” said Wolf.
            “Sure, I can do that, Wolf,” said Ralph.
            So, the Wolf opened his heart and his ears. Sitting there as the fire died down for the night, Ralph taught him the words of the Talking Song, with an added line for the confidence to believe it was possible to impart speech. They went over it several times until Wolf and Ralph were both sure that he would remember it, as it was drilled into the substance of his body and mind.
            “Who do you expect to meet back at home, Wolf? Who shall receive this little coal?”
            “I shall meet whomever I meet,” said Wolf. “I am hoping to meet my people, if any still live there. That would be very fine and worthwhile, but in my secret thoughts are the children of the wild, cruel Forest People who inhabit the mountains and forests of my home country.”
            “That would be more than fine and worthwhile dear Wolf,” agreed Ralph. “Both among your own brave and good people, who are so nearly thinking as a man thinks, and among the wild ones of my kind.”
            “One other thing I would ask of you, Ralph,” said the Wolf. “As I am to be a speaker among the speaking, I desire a name. Will you give me a name, sir?”
            This was a surprise to Ralph, but he gave the request several minutes of serious consideration.
            Then he said, “Victor. I will give you the name, Victor.”
            “Thank you,” said Victor to Ralph, speaking eye to eye.
            “Wear it well,” said Ralph.
            And even though it was dark, Victor started for home once again, walking into the mystical deep forest with his golden eyes shining.