The stacks of photographs seemed endless, and there were thousands they had yet to view. Evan had a simple rig set up to capture the images; he'd brought a scanner which was connected to the laptop.

Each of them sat with three piles in front of them. One pile was for possible use chosen by Nate; the other two would have to look through those as well. There was a pile for favorites; ones Nate knew had to be used. And the third pile was for problematic photos, ones that would need some thought or touchups before use. But by far the largest pile was the stack of things they had yet to see.

"Oh…my eyes," Ted groaned. "I'm going blind here."

"I don't think we can write off a seeing-eye dog as a production expense," Evan laughed. "Stop for a while, take a break."

This was the third day of their return to Cherokee and by now they knew it would take all week to complete the task. What Joseph had presented was a gold mine of old photos, the museum kept everything. Cherokee families from all over the country sent things in to be preserved in the archive.

At first they had been tempted to scan almost everything and sort through them later, but that seemed a daunting task. The problem piles were also growing because many of the photos were damaged in some way. Damaged, but the images they held were precious and they had to seriously consider using some of them.

The concept of three time machine sections still held together. Eight minutes was the limit Evan said people would sit and tolerate still photos; the time was based upon industry research. But even if they gave each photo only ten seconds of exposure that was still forty-eight photos in each section.

Some of the photos were loose in files, others securely attached in photo albums. The older photos were given the most serious consideration, and surprisingly enough there were quite a few. From the Civil War era on photography had captured the imagination of the public, although much of that was painfully posed work.

The bulky cameras and delicate glass plates that served to capture the images back then didn't make it easy to transport equipment outside of a studio. But from the mid 1800's, Matthew Brady and several others began to take their equipment out into the field. The native population was an object of curiosity back then and the chiefs of many tribes sat before the camera.

But photography became available to the masses around 1900 when Kodak sold his first run of little box cameras. Unfortunately they produced little photos as well, the images unclear. But Evan assured them that even a few poorly made photos could undergo some computer magic and become usable.

One of the most emotional moments for Nate came when he ran across some early photos taken in the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. The rough log homes looked familiar; they had the same style of house here. But the land…the land was flat. A family group stood beside the house and behind them was a vast tract of scrub brush and trees. Gone were the sacred mountains of The People, the places where spirits dwelled. The barren landscape must have been the greatest blow to those people.

The Trail of Tears happened years before photography was widely developed and there were only sketched images from that time, many of them by Cherokee artists. Some of these would make their way into the film; the truth had to be told.

They spent the mornings combing through photos, had lunch in town and returned to the lodge to begin school work in the afternoon. Denise had argued but Nate had insisted that their two rooms at the lodge would be paid for by the production and she finally acquiesced. At least they had a quiet place to rest and a cool swim every evening.

Evan allowed them two hours of personal study and then they spent an hour talking about the subject at hand. Ted was far advanced in several areas, things that Nate was just beginning to look at. But Evan allowed the discussions to become general and include them both; peer learning was a positive value.

At the end of the sixth day they had gathered what they thought was sufficient material to make up the three sections for the film. It was time to talk about continuity and the story line once again.

"Man verses nature, is that still where you think we ought to start?" Ted asked, picking up a spiral notebook and a pen.

"Yes, only now we understand that man's view of nature had more of an imaginative quality. What was a simple hunt for food started taking on spiritual meanings. So how do we show that?" Evan asked.

"Images can be explained by the narrative," Nate said. "The forest primeval becomes populated by the Cherokee, or in this case our ancestors. The land and game are given spiritual values to explain certain things. The worship of nature goes beyond the sun and moon and the figurehead of the Creator is recognized."

"Jeez, are we sure he's only fifteen?" Evan asked. "That was pretty deep, Nate."

"Thank you. I figure at some point we'll have to suggest the dialogue a narrator will use, not that I think writing a script for Marshall will work very well. We do have to point him in the right direction."

"I'm taking notes if you don't mind," Ted said.

Nate smiled. "Good thinking."

"So images of nature without man, images of early natives in that nature, and then the story rolls on," Evan said. "We have some drawings that fit those images."

"I think the first time section should end by evolving into the elder I captured last week telling the kids the tale about the rabbit and the tortoise," Nate said. "He looked like a link between old and new."

"I thought we were going to use Marshall?" Ted said.

"Yes, we will…but not all the time. He can't be the only image of the wise old Cherokee. I think the storytelling segment will allow us to move into what we saw at the Ross farm."

"Life in the family, a very important point to make," Ted said. "Did you see the old images of the dancers I found? I was thinking we could use a few of them and then introduce the modern version."

Evan was silent, and Nate looked over at him. "What are you thinking?"

"Um, I know this was all supposed to be a documentary about the Cherokee, but I was hoping we would come across something in all this research to use as a pivot in the story."

"What's a pivot?" Nate asked.

"Marshall himself is about as close as we come to a pivot. Developing a human interest angle on him would keep the audience focused," Evan said.

Nate shook his head. "He won't allow that. I know what you hope we can do with this film; you'd like to sell it onto the big screen. That would be really cool, but I can't see us making that kind of film without directing some actors, writing dialogue and all those other things I know nothing about."

Evan smiled. "I have to be honest with you, Denny and I listened to a selection of the recordings we made at the Pow Wow. You left your microphone on when you probably shouldn't, I know about Usti Waya."

The shock on Nate's face gave way to anger. "I can't talk about that." He got up and walked out of the room, leaving Ted dumbfounded.

"What just happened?" Ted asked.

"We aren't supposed to know…no one is. Marshall shared a secret with Nate and it was recorded. I'm sorry but I had to say something."

"But why did you tell him?"

"Ted, this is the pivot I was talking about…"

"I don't want to know," Ted yelled and he ran after Nate.

Nate was sitting on the far side of the pool, and he had tears on his face. By now Ted was furious with Evan for upsetting everything. Nate took one look at his face and stood up.

"No…don't be mad at Evan, it's my fault…I'm an idiot."

Ted threw his arms around Nate and could feel the boy trembling. "I couldn't tell you… I promised Marshall," Nate said.

"Hush, I still don't know, I just followed you out here," Ted said.

"Oh shit, this is terrible. Now I know why Evan thinks we have a huge chance with this film. He kept it to himself all week long, what am I gonna do?"

Ted shook his head. "I don't know how much of a secret this is…and you don't have to tell me. But what could Evan do without us…without Marshall?"

"I don't know…but we can't let him anywhere near Marshall now," Nate said.

"This could kill everything we have going, the film, school…everything."

"Then we have to talk to Evan and tell him how we feel," Nate said. But Evan was already on the way across the deck to where they were standing.

"Look…I'm sorry for telling you like that, I've been trying to find a good way to do it all week long," Evan said. "Denny won't say anything. What we know is just so confusing I was hoping you'd enlighten me."

"I can't say anything unless Marshall allows it. This is a private thing with him, a very dangerous spiritual challenge. I was told that I would be able to tell you guys at some point, I just don't know when that is."

"Then maybe you'd better find a way to ask. He needs to understand that what we have recorded will only lead to misunderstanding between the three of us. If he will allow us to use this information in the film it will transform the effort into something amazing."

"Evan…no one can find out about this," Nate said.

"Eventually I think it will get out. But if he agrees to allow us to use it then we have to give him the right to tell us when it can go public," Evan said.

"You mean allow him to tell his side of the story," Ted said.

"Yes, we have to…to me it makes no sense except to say that if what he said is true then it will blow the lid off what the world thinks of a shaman."

Ted looked at Nate. "I bet Marshall would love to tell his side of all this."

"If he can…if he can. I'll talk to him, this is my fault. I just want you to know that what you know is only a small piece of the puzzle. Marshall is working on something big and dangerous…and I'm going to help him. But if he thinks that anything I do will interfere with this…this event, then we have to back off."

"Something is going to happen…it hasn't yet?" Ted asked.

"Yes, but we have almost three months to prepare…that's all I can say now," Nate said.

Evan nodded. "Go talk to him…the both of you. I don't want any misunderstanding between us. Convince him to let us on the inside of this event. If he understands we're willing to let him do this his way I think he'll agree."

"We'll leave tomorrow morning," Nate said.

"Don't you want to call him first?" Evan asked.

Nate shook his head. "He'll know we're coming…we'll leave early."

Dawn was just creeping over the mountains when they drove out of Cherokee. Ted was alert, running on adrenalin and two cups of Nate's coffee. Once he'd discovered how to work the little coffee pot in their room Nate had bought coffee grounds, the strong kind.

"I'm trying to decide something," Nate said as they headed south. "I think I ought to tell you what's going on so Marshall can hear your point of view."

"But he doesn't want me to know, does he?"

"That's out the window now. I want to tell you because I value your opinion, but this may not be a good time for it."

Ted gave him a curious look. "And…you better explain that."

"I don't want you to drive off the road when you freak out," Nate said.

A second look told Ted he was dead serious. There was silence for a moment and then Ted pulled over into a deserted gas station and turned off the engine.

"OK," Nate said. "You heard Evan say Usti Waya, which means Little Wolf."

"I know that, Marshall's companion."

"Usti Waya is almost two hundred years old," Nate said. "He's a spirit."

Ted's mouth dropped open and he stared. "You…you mean that?"

Nate nodded. "He died on the journey west during the Trail of Tears. Marshall said his spirit has been drifting ever since." Nate sighed. "And this is where it gets complicated; I don't know how he did it. Marshall brought Usti Waya back to life by melding his spirit with the wolf."

He then went on to explain the effect of the spirit circle and the way he had communicated with Waya. But then he told Ted the next part was something that Evan didn't know…and could not know.

"I will adopt Usti Waya as my brother so that he may return to the spirit world and find peace." Then he had to explain how this was possible. Ted zoomed in on one detail, just about what Nate expected.

"You'll be a chief?"

Nate laid a hand on Ted's shoulder. "It won't change a thing between us; it just gives me some rights among the Cherokee."

Ted shook his head as if he could dislodge the thoughts. "You're adopting a dead brother, now I see why Evan doesn't need to know. What do you think he wants us to do with all this information he has?"

"Evan wants to make a good film even better, I understand that. But if he can inject something like this into it the film becomes a sensation…if anyone believes it."

"This isn't going to help us one bit. I'm just afraid that the Cherokee will freak out over what Marshall has done," Ted said.

"That's what I think, what a mess," Nate said. "Can we drive now?"

More hours on the road, quiet miles on the two lane blacktop that threaded its way between the hills. The only thing that kept Nate calm was that he knew Marshall was not what he appeared to be. The image of a quiet intellectual man who made costumes and preserved antiquity was all a front.

Maybe the other shamans knew there was something special about him, they had quickly deferred to Marshall at the Pow Wow. If he was truly able to reach across that unseen threshold and manipulate things in the spirit world…what did that make him?

They turned by the lake and took the road towards the dam. Marshall's driveway was barred by the gate, it was locked which meant he had known they were coming. His answer to their arrival was made loud and clear by the hand lettered sign that leaned against the bars of the gate. 'Go away' was all it said.

"Oh great, he's angry," Nate said.

"How could he know?" Ted asked.

"He knows…trust me he knows."

They sat in the Jeep and Nate said they were going to stay until Marshall would talk to them. It might be hours…days, but Nate would not be moved. Three hours later Gihli appeared at the gate and looked at them. She turned around and bounded off towards the house. Ten minutes later Marshall appeared.

He was bare headed and wearing a T-shirt and shorts, no pretense. He walked up to the gate and unlocked the padlock with a key, swinging the bars open and stepping out onto the drive.

"Well come on, you can't sit there all day," Marshall said.

They left the Jeep sitting right where it was and followed the man back up the driveway towards the house. He led them down the path to the rear and took a seat on the deck. Nate took the chair beside him while Ted chose to sit on the steps.

"What happened?" Marshall asked, and Nate began to explain.

The story came out in pieces, the sadness and shame evident on Nate's face. Marshall slowly nodded and shook his head when the boy was done, then a smile crept to his lips.

"This is a disaster, do you know that?" Marshall said. He looked at Ted, "And I suppose you know all about it by now?"

"No," Ted replied. "The more I hear the more confused I am, it doesn't sound possible."

"It is, but I lied to you," Marshall said, and then he sighed. "Ben didn't die of a heart attack; the spirits killed him when Usti Waya stepped into this world."

"What?" Nate and Ted said together.

"You better explain yourself, Marshall…especially if you want my help," Nate said.

Marshall nodded. "Fair enough, I was going to tell you…eventually."

Gihli barked and they all turned to look. Waya was bounding out of the woods with a rabbit in his mouth. He ran towards them and Gihli fell in beside him until they reached the deck. And right before their eyes the wolf morphed into Little Wolf, it was the most incredible thing either boy had ever seen.

One moment he was wolf, the next he was a man, and Little Wolf stood up with the rabbit in his hands. He laid the small bundle of fur on the steps and took Ted's hand, pulling him up into a quick embrace. He took the steps and approached Nate who was still in shock at what he had just seen. But Nate stood as Little Wolf gave him a welcoming hug and then kissed his cheek.

Little Wolf quickly sat down at Marshall's feet. "He knows what lies ahead and your part in it," Marshall said.

"You were going to tell us about Ben," Nate reminded him.

"Yes…Ben. It's been two years since he died, the coroner said it was a heart attack…I know better." A pause, then Marshall began anew. "I had been up all night contemplating my moves, the time was right to reach across the threshold and bring Usti Waya here. He had approached me for the third time asking to be killed again in hopes that this death would be final.

"To him that would mean I owed him a blood debt, he could be buried here and his spirit would fade away and he would have peace. I disagreed, he would still be fettered to the past, only now I would be a murderer and my peace would be shattered.

"I could see his suffering and so I offered…if possible, to bring him into this world. I first had to get Waya to agree, and he did. But he's had to suppress his true spirit for a long time. He's becoming restless and needs to become a wolf again."

"You can talk to animals?" Ted asked.

Marshall nodded. "I can." He turned to Nate. "And so can you." Nate slowly nodded his head, it made sense.

"That's why I chose you, Nathaniel. I understand what's in your mind. Your early experience with the bears gave me the clue. Now you understand Waya as well and that will help us succeed when Usti Waya returns to the other side."

"Ben…finish telling us about Ben," Nate said.

"He was not prepared, I told him to stay away…he should never have been there. But he was a stubborn man, and I know he was concerned for my safety. But my thoughts had reached out to Usti Waya and he came to the threshold. Others gathered around him, struggling to hold him back and I fought them off. Ben saw my struggle and foolishly stood in the doorway where he was struck down."

Marshall's hands went to his face, his fingers pressing into his forehead. Little Wolf reached over and set a reassuring hand on Marshall's knee. The hands were withdrawn from his face and Marshall sighed.

"Usti Waya leapt through the doorway just as Waya was coming to my defense; they collided…and melded together. It wasn't what I had planned, but it worked. Ben lay at my feet and I did a very bad thing, I hurled my anger at those who had killed him and destroyed them.

"The shame is mine; I lost control and shattered those ghostly spirits…our brothers. Their only crime was a lust for life, they too would have returned to the world, but I could not allow that. They have suffered much, but they too must seek peace in the place of their birth.

"Most of them respect my place, I am the gatekeeper. I listen to their stories and point the way home. But my need to help Usti Waya has cost me dearly…Ben, poor Ben. He would only look at the bright side of all this. Little Wolf will soon have what he needs most of all."

Marshall looked down and placed a hand on Little Wolf's head, their eyes met in what Nate could see was sincere love. Little Wolf knew what this man would give up when he returned to the spirit world. Marshall would gladly suffer to give him peace.

It was Ted who spoke first. "I don't think Nate should become involved, the danger is too great and he's not old enough to make those kinds of decisions."

"I would expect you to say nothing less," Marshall said. "But he must stand up for Usti Waya, his power is yet to be tested, but it's there. He will be a chief, they will read it in his demeanor, and the Bear Clan is one of the strongest."

"So nothing will happen until he is sixteen and a chief?" Ted asked.

"Not here…no. But I need Nathaniel to do something very important for us both; he must get the council to approve a celebration of Atohuna."

"And why would they listen to me?" Nate asked.

"Because you will ask them politely perhaps, or you will shame them into it. I have another idea or two, but a direct appeal would be best. Joseph Crowe will certainly help you, and it doesn't need to be a huge celebration just a sincere one."

"You said the spirits were angry with us, these are the same ones you're dealing with?" Ted asked.

"The very same, and one in particular. He's important to me…my spiritual adversary. I am forbidden to say his real name, but you may call him White Bear. His voice has been loudest when it comes to errors of The People. And he's right, for if we forsake the ancient ways all of them will suffer."

"I have a good idea," Ted said, "But maybe my thoughts are outside the box when it comes to the spirit world."

Marshall smiled. "Why Ted…we don't mean to exclude you in all of this. You're a great source of inspiration for our Little Bear; feel free to share your thoughts."

"Evan wants to use this contact with the spirit world in the film. He doesn't know when it's going to happen. So what if we get him involved with this celebration you need to hold, the Atohuna? Maybe people will come together if we offer them an advance peek of what we have filmed."

"Yes…that may work; he doesn't need to be here," Nate said. "What will we have to do?"

Marshall explained the ceremony and said that any of the shamans in Cherokee could perform it. In return Nate tried to outline their progress on the film and the kind of cooperation they would need from Marshall. His narrative would tie things together.

"So who gets to write this script?" Marshall asked.

"I thought we could do it together, your ideas and mine," Nate said.

"Good…then I agree. But I imagine you want to film the exchange ceremony with Usti Waya and I don't know how you can do that safely. You and I will have protections. Ted would be the one at risk."

"We'll think of something," Ted said.

Marshall welcomed them into his home, and they stayed for three days. It was a time to take quiet walks in the woods with Little Wolf as their guide. A human body with the senses of a wolf gave them an extraordinary view of the nature around them.

They fished and grilled, picked berries until their fingers were stained with the juice, and dug up sweet potatoes from the remnants of Marshall's garden. Marshall bemoaned the things he could not get out here in the wilds. Good sweet onions, cole slaw and spicy barbecue were near the top of the list...a long list.

No doubt Evan would be climbing the walls wondering what had happened, but the days were useful in many ways. Nate spent three hours talking his way through the film and his thoughts, Ted took notes. Marshall agreed with the vision Nate had and they wrote out some of the narrative passages for use later on.

Good food, companionship and an in depth look at Little Wolf brought them all that much closer together. Standing down at the spirit ring where Marshall kept his prayer hut they could see the setting for what was to come.

"The doorway usually appears there," Marshall said, pointing at a gap between two trees. "I don't know how to describe what the threshold looks like…a shape, a clearing in the forest background. The image inside the spirit world is dark, shadowy figures move like ghosts unless they approach the doorway. You need to know that the visage of these spirits is disturbing. They are gaunt…wraith-like creatures.

"But no matter what they look like I cannot allow them into our world, they would destroy the balance of nature by their very presence. Until now only my will power has kept them out, but the one I call White Bear tells me they are growing stronger."

"And if they do come into this world…?" Ted asked.

Marshall sighed. "There are not many of them left, maybe a few dozen. Ben's work allowed me to find many of them in the clan books and point the way home. I know many have succeeded in finding their way back because the incidents of Nûñnë'hï sightings is often reported to the local shaman. But these spirits have no knowledge of our modern times; their real presence in our world would create chaos."

"Then we can't allow it to happen, you will have to show me how to help you," Nate said.

"I will…believe me I will," Marshall said. "I don't want you to think I'm going to turn you into the sorcerer's apprentice, but I will in some small way."

"Um…OK," Nate laughed.

They returned to the Qualla with a plan. Evan would never know what would occur on the twelfth of October. They would tell him Marshall had agreed to let them use the story of Usti Waya, which would make Evan happy. They all had plenty of work to occupy their time.

Ted drove them up to Blue Fox Glen on the way back. Nate presented Granny Huhu with the album of photos and she was more than pleased. Everyone crowded around to look and the joy spread around the room. But Granny shooed everyone away and pulled Nate down on the bench beside her chair.

"You do all this to please an old woman and I am grateful. I see you are changing, but what will you do to please yourself?" Granny asked. "I may not be in this world for long, but when I have joined the Creator I will look after you."

"That's very kind of you," Nate said.

"Sometimes the good ones of this world need help to guide their steps. You're a good one, Nathaniel Smiling Sky. Turn your thoughts to the Creator and say my name in your prayers, this old woman has a few tricks left." She grinned and gave out a rich cackle of sound.

"My husband taught me to shoot straight with gun and bow, now the only thing I use is my tongue. But Ross is an old name among The People, my clan is strong in the spirit world, remember that."

She left Nate puzzled as Ted drove back to town; it was almost like she knew what lay ahead. There was only one person left to bring into their plans, and Joseph would have to be convinced. The museum would have to sponsor the Atohuna ceremony, Nate couldn't think of anyone else with enough clout to pull it together.

Evan had spent the days editing the still photographs they had copied and working on his tan. He was happy to see Nate and Ted show up at the door.

"So…how did it go?" Evan asked.

"Marshall agrees, he will allow his knowledge of the spirit world to be used in the film," Nate said.

"Outstanding, I knew he'd listen to you. We'll have to prepare a prominent spot in the film for this, and then there's the…"

"Evan, slow down," Nate said. "This is all very much in the planning stages; several things have to happen first."

"Like what? Anything we can do?"

"Yes, we have to talk to some people," Nate said.

"OK, and I was thinking we ought to go take a look at the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, we might use the contrast," Evan said.

"That sounds good, but you'll have to go. I need to arrange some things with Joseph and I'd better start now."

"Any idea when Marshall plans to hold this spirit thing?"

"A couple of months from now, but only if Joseph can get a ceremony called Atohuna performed in early October," Nate said.

"Yeah, he mentioned that at the Pow Wow. OK, we'll work out a schedule. I think it's about time we started putting this project in order, we're just about finished up here. And you guys need to get back to that school work."

"I knew you were going to say that," Ted groaned.

Evan smiled. "If it wasn't so important I wouldn't push. But it is so I will…right after lunch."

They ate in the lodge dining room and then went back to the room for some study time. Around four Nate decided to walk over to the museum and find Joseph, Ted and Evan opted for a little swimming. Nate was glad that Evan had bought their story about Marshall; nothing he had said was a lie. But Joseph would have to be told the plain truth, and that might make the man uncomfortable.

This was the busy season and even at dinner time the museum was full of people. Nate walked over to look at his buckskin shirt in the display case. He would want to wear that when Marshall opened the doorway to the spirit world. It would give him confidence.

"Nathaniel, what brings you here today?" Joseph asked as he approached.

"I need to speak with you about Marshall," Nate said.

Joseph nodded; he could tell this was to be something serious. They walked back towards his office and shut the door before taking a seat.

"Marshall is going to be a big part of this film, isn't he?" Joseph asked.

"Yes, he's going to narrate passages for us and translate…but that's not why I am here," Nate said. "You heard him at the Pow Wow, Atohuna needs to be celebrated."

Joseph nodded. "It's these modern times; some things just get shoved aside. New Moon is a big event so it's become difficult to get people back together so soon afterwards. Atohuna was usually a village affair, and now we have become a suburban people, the villages are gone."

"Then I have a proposition for you," Nate said.

He went on to explain their desire to hold a preview of the film for a group of people. Nate said to placate the spirit world that they should use this event to celebrate Atohuna. A small gathering of shamans, even a single one could perform the prayers needed.

"Marshall wants this, doesn't he? You know he's viewed as wizard, he deals with the spirit world and the other shamans shun his practice."

"Yes, I understand that…but I want it performed too," Nate said, and then he smiled. "I'm going to turn sixteen on October seventh and stand up as a member of the Eastern Band. I want you to sponsor me because of what I will do next."

Joseph raised an eyebrow. "And that would be?"

"I'm going to declare myself chief of the Bear Clan here. There are still a few clan members scattered around Marshall says, but I'm the direct descendant of Betty Smiling Sky and the only one of that family left."

Joseph nodded again, and then smiled. "This is your birthright; you've made quite a discovery. But that's not all, is it?"

"No, I want to adopt a brother into the clan."

"Ted…you mean Ted?"

"Yes…it's Ted. Denise has already agreed to place him in your family; he will take the Crowe name. I will name him my brother; I think it's the right time to do it."

"All these steps just to adopt Ted…are you telling me everything?" Joseph asked.

Nate shook his head. "I can't tell you everything because that would break my promise, you'll have to trust me."

"Marshall again. What is that old man up to?"

"You don't want to know, but you'll find out when the film is finished," Nate said.

"It's something for the film? All these secret dealings…and Marshall. OK, I agree, I'll sponsor you to the council. But you be careful of the things Marshall does, he's messing around with powerful forces. I'll tell the Chief that we need to enter your name as a member of the Eastern Band; we'll do it at the New Moon ceremony. Is that soon enough?"

"Perfect, I'll write up my declaration and present that as well."

"Good, so what are we going to see in this film preview?" Joseph asked.

Nate smiled. "The Cherokee past, present and future. We're going to give the museum exclusive rights to sell copies of the photos that will be coming out in book form, at least for the first year. Once the film gets sold I don't know what will happen to those rights."

Joseph's eyes could not hide the excitement he felt. "You would do this for us? It's going to be a great film, isn't it?"

"You have no idea. I hope it brings a greater understanding of The People, and a million visitors to your museum."

Nate was elated on the walk back to the lodge. The wheels were in motion towards that deadline on the twelfth of October. But he did feel guilty about not telling Joseph everything, Usti Waya had to remain a secret for now. The thought about adopting Ted had been with him for quite some time, only now would he have the means to make it possible.

They could not be married in the legal sense, the politics of the state and country stood in the way. But if Ted were recognized as Cherokee it would give him rights within the Qualla. No one would question brothers living together, families did that.

Family and clan relationships were complicated. Ted would become a Crowe and Nate's cousin through that association. But Nate was in the Bear Clan because of his mother while Ted would be taken into the Long Hair Clan of the Crowe family. Once Ted became Cherokee, Nate would then be free to adopt him as a brother, it seemed like the long way around but it would work.

Marshall's contention was that once Nate declared himself chief of his clan it was his right to adopt, and thus Usti Waya could become a member of the Bear Clan. Nate could write up the declaration, but it would never be finalized. If all went well Usti Waya would be gone from this world before that happened. The only image of him remaining would be in the film, and it remained to be seen if anyone believed what they would see.

Their days in the Qualla ran quickly into the month of August. The film work kept them busy as the opening sequences were tacked together. This first part of the film would present a glimpse of the Cherokee past with images and words. For the people of the Qualla these would all be familiar themes, comfortable feelings would emerge.

The appeal would expand outwards to the general public who needed the education in the old Cherokee ways. But it was also aimed inwards at the Cherokee people and the new generation who were busy learning about the past in school. Nate was careful to make sure that any images of the past would also contain children and families.

Bit by bit they built the images, noting here and there where additional pieces might be needed. Afternoons were filled with school work and had been for weeks. Ted was confident that he could pass the English and Trigonometry exam for the semester so he went for it. Evan was happy just to sit by the pool while Ted was left alone in the room; proctors rarely had it this good. When Ted finished it took Evan half an hour to declare him passed with pretty high marks.

Nate was still struggling with basic Algebra and detested the Biology book he'd been given. He wouldn't begin to think about testing out for another month or so. But it became obvious that they didn't need to continue working at the lodge and so they packed up. Denise was sorry to see them go, but knew they would be back. And so with the Jeep loaded down they drove back to Boone and Smiley's Rest, home of Smiling Sky Productions.

It had been Evan's idea for a name that led them to Nate. It had to have a Cherokee touch for credibility, and Evan assured Ted that Nate deserved the credit.

"Just remember, it won't affect the way your name is spelled on those million dollar royalty checks," Evan laughed. "Jeez, I wish."

"Well, we still don't have a name for the film, do we?" Ted asked.

"Don't look at me, I have no idea what we should call it," Nate said.

"I think this is beyond Cherokee Legacy Project, you can ask Marshall what he thinks," Evan said.

"'The Legend of Usti Waya,' sounds good," Ted said.

"It has to be something people can pronounce, but you're on the right track," Nate said.

"Don't sweat it guys, it won't matter what we name it. If a major studio or distributor picks up the option for this film they will offer their own ideas for a title. They pay marketing people big bucks to think up names, they'll do an analysis, maybe run it past a test group. If it sells it won't be our responsibility any more."

"I suppose that's the reality of the business, but I don't like it," Ted said.

"If it grosses millions I won't complain," Nate laughed. "We'll need the money for the second Smiling Sky film."

"I like that," Evan said.

The campsite was full, August being the primary vacation month for people escaping to the mountains. Denny would be back the following week, only this time she would be driving her dad's camper and staying through the end of the summer season. Nate agreed that Evan and Denny needed a quiet place to themselves.

Ted needed to return home for a few days, only this time Nate was coming with him. He made it clear that his parents felt like they owed Nate a good deal for sharing a room and putting up with him for the summer. Now they would get the chance to return the favor.

Between that and school, the film work would go on and so would a few planned outings. Bill and every other merchant in town had discount tickets for river rafting trips or tubing excursions. Nate thought they ought to take the tubes first, that would be a milder experience.

So after a few days of work around the campsite Bill's chore list was caught up and Nate felt they could leave with a clear conscience. Denny was due in a day or so which meant that Evan would stick around. This time the Jeep was virtually empty as they headed down out of the mountains.

It had been years since Nate had come this way and after a few hours they were back on Route 40, heading into Winston-Salem. The shear number of people, their houses, and their cars, all seen through the windows of the Jeep was a bit disconcerting. This was Ted's life, and yet the boy had accepted the solitude of Nate's world quite easily. If anything those thoughts made him happy.

They took the Silas Creek Parkway exit and were in the thick of it. Shopping malls, car dealerships and fast food restaurants, the suburban world surrounding them made Nate feel like a simple country boy. A Cherokee county boy at that, and then he wondered how these people would receive him.

They eventually saw signs for Wake Forest and they came to an intersection where the entrance to the university lay straight ahead. Ted turned right and drove down a tree lined street.

"I'll have to take you in there," Ted said, pointing at a gate while they drove past.

"What's that?" Nate asked.

"Reynolda House, the tobacco barons lived damn well a hundred years ago. They turned Mr. Reynolds house into a museum, pretty impressive."

They drove on for a few minutes and turned left, then right, then left again. The trees here grew on large wooded lots with nice looking homes. Ted put on his turn signal and turned into a driveway and rolled forward towards the house. There were three garage doors but Ted didn't open one, he only pulled up in front of it.

"We don't park in the garage, that's Dad's space," Ted explained.

"Space for what?" Nate asked.

Ted only smiled. "You'll see," Was all he said.

They left the bags in the Jeep and Ted walked around the side of the house to a door. "This is the kitchen," He explained. "In all the years we've lived here I've used the front door twice."

He opened the door and stepped into a kitchen Nate could live in. Just like the center of the Ross house, this was the place Ted's family lived most of the time. That thought only made Nate wonder why the house was so large and then the herd came running. Three dogs came bounding into the room and jumped all over Ted. He laughed and shooed them away, which only drew attention to Nate.

"The large one is Queenie, the mid-sized one is Hugo and the little brat is Puddles…I hope I don't have to explain that name." No he didn't, for the moment Nate looked at the puppy it peed on the floor. Ted went for paper towels which he explained they bought by the truck load.

Mr. Lawson soon followed the racket and gave Ted a hug to welcome him home, Nate got a hearty handshake.

"You look well…the tan suits you," Mr. Lawson said.

"Where's Mom?" Ted asked.

"Shopping, you know how it is when company comes. But that's good, I have something special I want to show you," Mr. Lawson said.

They followed him through a formal dining room, across a broad front hallway and into a living room half the size of a basketball court. The furnishings were incredibly clean and neat, Nate wondered if anyone ever used the room. But they went out a side door into what had to be the garage and Nate understood what made this Mr. Lawson's space.

Nate had seen model trains before, but never like this. He counted six bridges, four mountains and a half dozen villages and towns, all built to a tiny scale that suited the trains. And what beautiful trains they were.

"Oh wow," Nate said.

"Thank you," Mr. Lawson said. "I believe that's the four thousandth wow I've received since I started this project; you ought to win a prize of some kind. I just bought a new locomotive for the freight cars. Would you like to see them run?"

"Yes…please," Nate said, and that's where Mrs. Lawson found them when she got home two hours later.

There were three trains that ran on the tracks, crossings with gates that opened and closed, and bridges that went up and down…it all looked so real.

"Dad's in a model railroad club, he's their only bio-chemist. But these guys all take it seriously; he's spent hours out here building this stuff," Ted explained.

"At least you know where he is," Nate said, but there was no smile.

Ted caught the meaning right away. "I'm sorry…didn't mean to open old wounds."

Nate nodded. "I'm past that…his loss."

Mrs. Lawson had brought home a huge assortment of Chinese food, something Nate took too immediately. Ted's parents quizzed them both about the film's progress and Nate promised a look at the DVD they'd burned during the sessions last week. He'd thought that if Granny was so impressed with the photos it was time to prove to Ted's parents that they had not been wasting their time.

But Mr. Lawson had a meeting to attend at the university after dinner so the showing was put off for another night. Nate could sense Ted's disappointment, and he imagined it wasn't the first time. But ten minutes after his father left Ted announced they were going out and Mrs. Lawson didn't seem to mind.

Nate was an only child, but his mother had doted on him and he never felt alone until she died. Ted's parents were concerned about their son but they seemed to have little time to enjoy his company, and that was a shame. But Ted didn't say a word; it just seemed to be another part of his life here.

They unloaded the Jeep and then drove back down the parkway away from the university and Ted seemed to brighten.

"This is one damn big mall I'm taking you to," He said.

"Is this where you hang out on weekends?" Nate asked.

"Sometimes, might be a few of my friends around, always a bunch of assholes there as well. But I like window shopping, must be a disease I picked up from my mom."

As promised the place was huge, a small city of shops and vast parking areas known as Hanes Mall. Ted saw a parking space, only to have it taken as they approached. He laughed and pulled over two aisles and found another.

"Do we need to get anything, or is this for fun?" Nate asked.

"What do we need? We can go look at clothes if you want, see a movie or something. But there's a few stores with CD's, movies and the like…let's just look around, OK?"

They pushed through the doors and breathed in that air conditioned stale atmosphere with all the strange smells Nate always associated with shopping malls. The lower level was filled with people, many of them young. And in the time honored tradition of kids everywhere, girls wandered the concourse looking at boys, and vice-versa. It took the word 'shopping' to a whole new level.

Nate followed Ted down the long corridor of the mall where the noise level increased dramatically. The sound of a thousand voices, each in discussion with another. A food court where more kids were sitting at tables in social groups. Nate was curious about how people would react to Ted, he was a handsome boy, and he ought to attract attention.

A group of boys looked at them, but Nate knew he was the different one here, he would attract attention too.

"Hey…Ted," A boy yelled. "Where you been all summer?"

"Out making movies," Ted said as the boy approached. "You seen George Clooney around? I was supposed to meet him here."

The boy smiled, and then laughed, Ted laughed too. "Seriously?" The boy asked.

"No, hell no. When have you ever believed anything I say, Jerry?"

"Um…about never…who's this?"

"Jerry, this is Nate. We've been up in Cherokee making a film, and that you can believe," Ted said.

"No kidding…sounds awesome," Jerry said. "Neil is around here somewhere, probably off chasing some skirts."

"Nothing new there," Ted said. "What's your summer been like?"

"A little of this and that, are you coming back to Foxhall?"

"Probably not, I've been home schooling this summer between the filming," Ted replied.

"So you are making a movie, that's cool. What's it about?" Jerry asked.

"The Cherokee people and their ghosts," Ted said. He smiled at Nate, asking to be forgiven for hyping the film a bit. "Nate and I have been at it for months with some really professional people from the film school at the University."

"Awesome," Jerry said. "Hey, Alan was asking if I'd seen you. He's spending the summer in the Outer Banks, but no one knew where you went."

"Into the mountains, kinda living in Boone now," Ted said.

"Oh yeah, I love it up there. We'll miss your talents at Foxhall, gonna be a hot year on the lacrosse field."

"Say hello to the guys for me, and sorry I can't come out for the team this year. But I've tested out for the first half of senior year; I just might graduate around Christmas."

Jerry looked at Nate with a smile. "That's our Ted, always ahead of everyone else. Good to meet you, Nate. Take care guys, I have to go find my little brother before he gets kidnapped by a bunch of horny girls, that's his objective this summer anyways," Jerry laughed. They shook hands and Jerry was gone.

"He seems nice," Nate said.

"He is, unless we're in a scrimmage. Toughest guy on our team, he's tried to take my head off a few times, but you should see what he does to our opponents."

"Does he know anything?"

"No one does, school was hardly the place to be out. I had that thing for Alan last semester, but I think that was only in my head. Probably a good thing he's off at the beach," Ted said.

"Probably is," Nate said with a grin.

"You know what it's like; I'd never be able to make a move on any of these guys. You had the courage to go for what you wanted, and I'm grateful you did."

They wandered the stores looking at clothes and things, but the amusement value in that didn't last very long. Ted didn't see anyone else he knew and remarked that was a good thing. It was still early when they left the mall and drove back to the house.

Nate had only dropped his bag in Ted's room earlier, now he had a chance to look around. The room Ted shared with him in Boone was spartan by comparison. The trappings of an only child, a wealth of goods bought by parents who sought to ease their guilt of not providing Ted with siblings. Nate knew Ted didn't ask for things, it wasn't his nature, but the room was distinctly his.

Lacrosse sticks hung on the wall with the Foxhall crest, very collegiate. A bulletin board covered in photos, mostly his team members. Two beds, several comfortable chairs, a large television and entertainment center, and books…Ted had more books than most libraries.

"Goodness, when do you find time to read all this?" Nate asked.

"Already have," Ted said. "I went through a phase in middle school."

"I've read maybe a hundred books in my whole life," Nate said. "There was just never any time."

"But you've spent most of your life outside, that's enough time to inspire dozens of books if you chose to write them."

Nate nodded. "My head is filled with images not words, maybe that's why this film is so attractive."

"Probably so," Ted agreed. He looked at the clock on his dresser, eleven…not very late. "You want to watch a movie before bed?"

"Yeah, that works."

A twin sized bed was barely big enough for two, but they made it work. 'The Lion King' played on in the background, and with the door locked Ted made love in his bed for the very first time.

There had been times when friends from school stayed over, thus the second bed. But nothing had ever happened until now. There was something thrilling about being naked with the one he loved here in his parent's house, something they would never know.

Nate sensed Ted's need and lay back. This was Ted's domain, it was only right to be a supplicant to the ruler in his own kingdom. And there was something about being the one Ted had chosen to love that gave Nate his own secret pleasure. Well, maybe he had been the one to choose Ted…did it matter?

He had been right about his life, it was a chronicle of images and Ted's was the strongest. There would always be the memory of their first encounter in that shower stall, the quiet sharing of those feelings that would soon blossom into love. What other fifteen year old boy could say as much?

Nate understood so much more about life now, that moment had defined him, and not just as gay. Half his life had seemed empty until Ted came along and filled it, the missing piece of the puzzle. And now despite the challenges that lay ahead Nate knew that somehow what he was had brought them together.

The definition of his true nature was something that was still being written in the stars, but he agreed with Marshall. There was a deep core of strength inside of him, and Nate was just beginning to feel it coming alive. Ted had been the catalyst, the match that lit the flame. It was more than fanning the flames of desire, it was the need to meet destiny head on.

The face of love that looked down at him sought to understand these thoughts, for even Ted felt something grand about to happen, something that begged understanding. This was the closest they could come, their bodies joined in pleasure, their beings focused on one singular feeling. And Nate felt the heat sweep through his body as Ted stoked the fire.

Ted knew the exact point where his thrusts would overwhelm Nate's building orgasm, and he played that edge for as long as he could. The dark eyes that gazed up at him would flash with passion as the boy gave in to his body's need, and that's when Ted would let go. They had done this so many times, yet it never failed to seem like something new.

And now as Nate's muscles clamped around his cock Ted knew they were there and he savored the seconds before release. But Nate had to let go, the muscles falling slack and allowing Ted to bury his orgasm deep and watch the smile on Nate's face tell the story. He could feel what was happening inside.

"I don't think you could do that any better," Nate whispered.

Ted grinned. "I keep trying but you're too frickin sexy for me to hold out any longer."

"Then don't move, I want to keep you there forever."

"My body won't cooperate for long," Ted said.

"We could sleep like this," Nate suggested.

"Not with this mess between us, and we are some messy people."

"You suggesting we do this too much?" Nate asked.

Ted grinned. "If we do it too much it's your fault, I'm under your spell."

"Oh that is so not right," Nate laughed. "Even if I did have magic I couldn't use it on you."

Ted's eyes went soft…and so did his cock, making them both groan as it slid out. But then Ted leaned down and they kissed before falling into an embrace.

"I want you to know that you've been using your magic on me for months," Ted whispered. "I've never felt like this before, it's so…so real. I love you."

Nate turned his head and kissed the neck that had been pressed into his cheek.

"I know, baby…I love you too, and it is real."

Ted moved and then started to chuckle. "I now something else that's real, we need a shower."

"Why? I like being glued to you," Nate laughed.

"I know, but think of what the parents might say if we show up like this for breakfast."

"You have a point," Nate said.


On to Chapter Eleven

Back to Chapter Nine

Chapter Index

Chris James Home Page

"Nathaniel Smiley" Copyright © 2009 by Chris James. All rights reserved.
    This work may not be duplicated in any form (physical, electronic, audio, or otherwise) without the author's written permission. All applicable copyright laws apply. All individuals depicted are fictional with any resemblance to real persons being purely coincidental.

Home Page | Authors | Christmas Stories | Stories by the Writer Suggested Reading | Suggested Viewing | Links Privacy Policy | Terms of Service Send a Comment All Site Content © 2003 - 2024 Tarheel Writer unless otherwise noted Layout © 2003 - 2024 Tarheel Writer