Echoes of the Land - A Freehold Story by Marc LeVine

Read it all at: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/echoes-of-the-land

Chapter 9: Into the Woods

Levi Solomon stood at the edge of the dense woods near Monroe, New Jersey, his heart racing with excitement and trepidation. Sunlight filtered through the leafy canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground, while a gentle breeze whispered through the trees. He was going to seek the native people of this land, hoping to forge peace between them and the settlers, to understand their ways, and to see if the land could sustain their families. But after just a few steps into the wilderness, the weight of solitude pressed down on him like a heavy cloak. The rustling leaves and distant calls of unseen creatures heightened his vulnerability.

Turning back, Levi felt his resolve solidifying. “It is reckless to go alone,” he announced to the gathering settlers, their faces a tapestry of concern and curiosity. “We need to approach the natives with caution—and we must be prepared.” The stakes of this journey loomed large in his mind. "Who will come along?" Levi asked everyone present.

From the crowd, a young man stepped forward. William Allen was in his early twenties, a bundle of energy and enthusiasm. He had arrived in New York, alone, with dreams of adventure and the promise of a new life. With tousled dark hair, a freckled face, and a ready smile, he was known for his eagerness to help, whether it was building a cabin or foraging for food. His spirit was infectious, and the other settlers often looked to him for encouragement.

“I’ll go with you, Mr. Solomon,” William said, eyes shining with determination. “I can help scout the way and keep watch for any signs of the natives.”

Relief flooded through Levi at the offer. He also needed William as a messenger. If Levi needed to communicate with the settlers, William could relay messages and bring back items for their discussions. This would be challenging; Levi’s native tongue was from Iberia, and his grasp of English was still rough. They had no knowledge of the language of the natives, so hand gestures would be their best means of communication.

“Good, good,” Levi replied, his voice shaky yet hopeful. “We need to prepare.”

Together, they rummaged through their supplies, selecting items that would sustain them and show goodwill. Levi’s hands trembled as he gathered hardtack and dried fruit—simple but nourishing provisions for the journey. He suggested including tools and trinkets: a few metal knives, some colorful beads, and a length of cloth that could serve as a symbol of friendship.

As they packed their meager supplies, the other settlers watched with a mix of hope and anxiety. Levi felt the weight of their expectations pressing on him. He knew this venture was fraught with uncertainty, and the woods held many unknowns. With a final glance back at the settlers, he and William set off, their footsteps soon swallowed by the quiet of the forest.

The air grew cooler as they moved deeper into the thicket, the towering trees surrounding them like ancient sentinels. Levi felt a mixture of awe and fear wash over him. Every crackle of twigs underfoot and rustle in the underbrush heightened his senses.

“Stay close,” Levi cautioned, his voice low but firm. “We must be aware of our surroundings.”

William, ever optimistic, smiled. “Think of it as an adventure, Mr. Solomon! We’re paving the way for peace. The natives could become our allies if we approach them right.” His enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment, Levi felt a flicker of hope. Please...Levi my name. Call me Levi," asked the slightly older gentleman.

"OK, Levi. And you can call me Will," William responded in a way that dispensed of formality. There was no need for formality in the woods of a previously unknown and unfamiliar place.

As they walked, the atmosphere shifted; the chirping of birds faded into an eerie silence. Levi felt a knot tighten in his stomach, a foreboding sensation creeping in. He could sense the weight of history in the air, the mingled stories of settlers and natives, each carrying their own burdens and hopes.

“Levi,” William said, breaking the tension. “Do you think they’ll understand us? What if they see us as intruders?”

Levi sighed, brow furrowed. “In Spain and Portugal, where I was born, my family… we face persecution during the Inquisition. We are Jews. We must hide our faith, pretend to be something we are not. Or risk… worse.” He paused, memories washing over him like a cold wave. “Many scars remain.”

William’s expression shifted to one of empathy. “That sounds terrible, Levi. I can’t imagine living in fear like that. But this is different, isn’t it? We come with open hands, not closed fists.”

“It was a dark time,” Levi continued, his voice heavy. “And here, I find some safety, but the fear lingers. I see the natives, and I worry—how will they see us? Will they understand our intentions? Or view us as a threat?”

William nodded thoughtfully. “Fear breeds misunderstanding, and misunderstanding breeds conflict. But I believe that if we show them our goodwill, if we share our stories, they might see that we’re not so different after all.”

Levi smiled faintly, appreciating William’s insight. “Yes, you are right, my friend. Just as I hope for acceptance, I want to extend that hope to them.”

Their conversation deepened, strengthening the camaraderie between them as they shared their fears and dreams. They discussed the challenges ahead, the importance of understanding and compassion. Levi found himself more at ease with William by his side, the weight of his fears lessened.

After a while, they stumbled upon a small clearing where the underbrush parted, revealing a serene stream. Levi paused, the sound of water soothing his nerves. “Let’s rest here for a moment,” he suggested, his accent thick and his English still halting.

William knelt beside the water, splashing his face and taking a sip. “It’s beautiful out here,” he said, glancing up at the towering trees. “Imagine if we could coexist peacefully with the natives. We could learn so much from them.”

Levi’s expression turned contemplative. “Yes, yes… coexist, it good,” he replied slowly. “But not simple, no? People, they fear what they do not understand.”

William looked at him, curiosity sparking in his eyes. “What do you mean?”

Levi took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his past. “In my home, I see fear. Fear makes people blind. But we must keep our eyes open. Here, I want to build bridges, not walls.”

The sincerity in his voice resonated with William. “That’s what we’re trying to do, isn’t it? Build something new together. It starts with understanding.”

As they continued, a sudden rustle in the bushes caught Levi’s attention. Both men froze, their hearts pounding in unison.

“Stay quiet,” Levi whispered, scanning the treeline. Was it just the wind, or had they stumbled upon the very people they sought? William held his breath, eyes wide with anticipation.

From the thicket emerged a group—members of a Lenape hunting party. They wore animal hides, their bows at the ready but not drawn. One man stepped forward, tall with long hair and a deep-set gaze, his expression a mix of caution and curiosity.

Levi’s heart raced. He took a cautious step forward, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. “We… come in peace,” he stammered, his accent thick. “We seek to talk. No harm, only friendship.”

The Lenape exchanged glances, skepticism flickering in their eyes. The leader approached slowly. “You seek council?” he asked, his voice measured and firm. This Lenape Indian seemed to know a bit of English. Just enough to gain basic meaning from Levi's broken English expressions.

“Y-yes,” Levi replied, relief flooding through him. “We wish to talk, learn… understand. We bring gifts, for goodwill.” He gestured to their pack, heart pounding as he awaited their reaction.

The leader studied him for a moment before nodding. “Come. Take you to elders. No chief now, but we speak together.” His tone was authoritative yet not unfriendly.

As they moved deeper into the woods, Levi felt a mix of hope and fear. Would they be accepted? The rustling leaves and distant bird calls returned, a symphony of life that felt both welcoming and foreboding.

Finally, as they stepped into a clearing, Levi caught sight of an intricate carving on a tree—an image reminiscent of the stories his mother told him in Spain. It depicted a sun rising over a river, a symbol of new beginnings. His heart swelled; perhaps this was a sign, a thread connecting their histories.

As the Lenape led them toward a gathering place, Levi sensed that this encounter was more than just a meeting; it was the start of a relationship that could shape their futures. With every step, the weight of both his past and the hope for a shared future rested on his shoulders.

“Together,” he thought, feeling the strength of his resolve. “We will build something new.”

As they approached the council area, he glanced at William, who looked back with a mixture of excitement and determination. Levi smiled, feeling a shared purpose between them. They were on the brink of a journey that could change everything, not just for themselves, but for both their peoples.

And in that moment, amidst the towering trees and the promise of understanding, Levi felt a glimmer of hope for what lay ahead. The journey had just begun, and the future seemed to hold endless possibilities.

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