Chapter 459

As the sun set, the fire was lit, and the flames leaped high in the sky, sending the souls of the departed to the heavens. Deep in the woods, a chorus of wolves howled, a song of lamentation for those who’ve passed on. I discovered that I understood some of the words of their wild song, and realized I was beginning to understand the speech of my new people. Gretchen looked at me in wonder, as she began to understand it as well.

I thought that the children might be afraid of the wolves howling in the distance, but even they realized this wasn’t the sounds of danger, or attack, but a song, and they listened without fear to the primitive voices lamenting the loss of their father and Maria. Lenore and I held them in our arms as we listened.

“I recognize some of the words,” I said to her.

“What are they saying?”

“They mourn the passing of kindred spirits, and their voices help the spirits ascend to the heavens where they may run free forever among the stars.”