The Woodsman

Marc and Alana arrived at the camp’s headquarters. They held each other by the pond. Marc’s Bluetooth speaker played the camp mix — “Pulling Mussels from the Shell,” “Come Together,” “Baba O’Reilly,” “Heartbreak Beat,” “Love will tear us apart,” “Rock Lobster” and many other tunes.

Marc lit the fire as Anat’s BMW pulled up. Alana and Marc were still on their guard. If they had to fight her again, they would. The fire was down to nice grey and orange coals. Marc tossed burgers and dogs on the grill and passed out Cherikee Red soda. The meat came from a supermarket inspired by Marc’s leader. The ladies never sipped this beverage. They commented on its sweetness. That’s when Marc said it was sweet they all together by the fire creating a plan to save the world from Jay.

The three were making idle chat over their meal. Marc called everyone to order. The two ladies put down their sodas and stood at attention. Marc laughed. For the next two hours, the three spoke like military planners.

Alana said it was time for a break and they should sing by the fire. Marc started singing his favorite campfire song, “Smokey the Bear.” The ladies joined in. Then they were tired of it. Marc kept singing it. Marc found himself covered wine and raisins. He just shut up and didn’t launch pomegranates or honey. He figured this was “friendly fire.”

They regrouped. They decided they would look for pieces of glass on the ground. They knew it was all over. But they would look for what type it was. They knew most of Jay’s glass came from beer and alcoholic spirits bottles. If they saw a lot of that type of glass they would report into each other where it was. They would try to search the area. They knew they had to look in vacant lots, parks and search around closed stores.

Things were going well. Marc brought out the Freihoffers and marshmallows. The music played on. The fire was crackling. It was almost as if a few friends got together.

Marc was more tuned to the sounds of the woods than the two women. Marc heard a low grunt. He hadn’t heard that sound in decades. He looked Alana and Anat. He had a puzzled look on this face. Anat immediately asked what was wrong. Marc said he sensed they had a visitor. The two ladies got right up into fighting stance. Marc said, “No, no. Not Jay. I think the Woodsman is lurking.”

The women shook. He said not to worry. The camp had its usual wildlife — Squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, deer and bears. Deer were often seen in the early morning. Marc told the women everything was safe. He said if I am right a herd of buffalo is going to join us. That means the Woodsman isn’t far behind.

All of a sudden buffalo surrounded them. Out from behind a tree came an old bearded man who resembled a lumberjack. According to the legends told by the fire, he is hundreds of years old. Rarely is he seen. Marc met him once when he was 12.

Legend has it he lives in the woods. He’s been there for centuries. He is working on building a cabin. He hopes to finish it.

While not working on the cabin he tends to his garden. He’s kept the grounds safe for as long as anyone can remember. He only comes out when he needs to. He travels with buffalo and has special relations with the mighty and holy animals. No one even knows the Woodsman’s proper name.

Marc stood up out of respect, as the Woodsman walked to the fire. He took a hot dog off the grill. He grabbed a bottle of the Cherikee Red and sat down to eat. He smiled the whole time.

When he finished his meal, he looked at the three. He said, “I watched your fights at the throne and dam. You fight well. I’ve been watching Marc for years. The three of you are stronger together beyond your wildest imagination. But your enemy has powers, too. Stay together.”

The Woodsman took another bottle of Cherikee Red, called to the buffalo and disappeared into the woods.