High above the jungle trail a python coiled itself around a tree limb. Its tongue tasted the air as two children passed below.
“I told you it would be a perfect morning for a hike to Hidden Falls,” Tori called to her companion.
“You were right,” As Aran followed along, he made a game of hopping over small patches of light that formed by sunbeams that made their way through the thick forest canopy.
The pair of friends wandered past massive clusters of ferns and by a tangle of twisted roots of an ancient tree that seems to have been there since the creation of the forest itself.
Tori never tired of the beauty of the forest. She enjoyed the unending song of the birds. And she looked forward to the soothing flow of Hidden Falls. The forest was a place to escape the boredom of village life, and to draw closer to the Creator. The two friends were along on the trail. Even after a half-hour’s walk, they had not crossed paths with another soul.
“There’s the trail that leads to the falls,” Tori pointed ahead.
Aran wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. “I can’t wait to dip my feet in cool water.”
As the footpath grew steeper, it narrowed as if the jungle sought to reclaim the falls trail. Tori pushed her way through the branches and vines until she heard rushing water.
Finally, they reached an opening in the jungle formed by the pool at the base of the falls. There Tori paused.
“What’s the matter?” Aran asked.
“We’re not the only ones here.”
“Who’s that?” Aran stopped next to his friend.
“I don’t know. I’ve never seen him before.”
“Good morning,” the stranger called to Tori and Aran.
Tori was impressed by his handsome face and locks of dark hair that flow from under his hat. He wore a leather vest that covered a white shirt. Judging by his outfit she figured he must be someone of wealth.
“My name is Guang,” said the stranger with a bow of his head.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Tori and this is Aran.”
“Isn’t this the finest place in the whole forest?” Guang turned to view the water cascading over the rocks and into the clear pool. On his back a crossbow hung from a thick strap.
“It certainly is,” Tori continued. “Do you live near here?”
“I’ve come down from the mountains.”
“Are you a hunter?” Aran pointed to Guang’s crossbow.
“This is a special weapon.”
“Oh? What’s special about it?” asked Aran.
“I’ll show you.” Guang swung the bow from his back and pulled a stubby arrow from his quiver. When the crossbow was ready to fire, he pointed to a large tree a dozen paces away.
“Do you see that tree?”
“Yes,” Tori nodded.
“Watch,” Guang brought the crossbow to his shoulder and aimed at the tree trunk. When he squeezed the trigger, the bow launched the arrow with a swoosh. Then he lowered the weapon and started toward the target.
Aran was the first to reach the tree. He examined the thick trunk but found no arrow. “You missed.”
“You’re looking in the wrong place. Look over here,” Guang walked past Aran and pointed to a narrow tree about the thickness of a man’s arm. There the arrow split the wood in two.
“How did you do that? You couldn’t even see this sapling from where you were standing.”
“I told you it’s a special weapon,” Guang laughed.
Tori wondered at what they had just seen. She looked to Aran as if he had an explanation.
“Do it again,” said Tori.
“I could, but why don’t you come with me, and I will show you something even more amazing.”
“Come with you? Where?” asked Aran.
“To my mountain home. It’s a magical place.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said Tori.
“It’s only an hour’s walk from here. It is midmorning now. You will be home well before evening.”
Again, Tori looked to Aran. She could see the excitement in his eyes. “As long as we are home by the afternoon.”
“Excellent,” Guang grinned. “Follow me.”
For over nearly two hours Tori and Aran followed the mysterious young man through the jungle. Tori could feel the air growing cooler as she went up in elevation. She was now farther from her home then she had ever been and beginning to worry.
“We’re almost there,” said Guang as if he knew Tori’s anxious thoughts.
He led the pair up a path carved into a steep rock wall.
Soon they reached the treetops but continued upwards. On the left of the narrow path was the sheer rock wall. On the right the path dropped off sharply to the forest below.
Tori was glad when the path leveled off at the top of a flat mountain. She looked around in wonder. The view from the mountaintop was stunning. The jungle below spread out like a carpet covering rolling hills as far as the eye could see. She paused to awe at God’s handywork.
“This way,” Guang motioned her and Aran toward a cluster of building perched on the mountaintop.
They entered what seemed like a normal village. Nearby were a trio of women weaving cloth while others attended to cooking fires. Chickens and goats roamed about just like they did in Tori’s and Aran’s village.
Guang led his visitors past an unusual looking building. It was constructed entirely of stone and decorated with sculptures of various beasts, snakes, and dragons. Tori felt uneasy about it. She whispered to Aran.
“I have a bad feeling about this place. We should go.”
“Maybe you’re right,” Aran had an uncertain look on his face.
Just as Tori was about to excuse herself Guang spoke up.
“Here we are. Welcome to my home,” then called out. “Ling, come out and meet our guests.”
A girl emerged from the doorway. She appeared to be a few years younger than Tori. Her face donned a wide smile.
“This is my sister, Ling” Guang continued with the introductions. “Meet Tori and Aran.”
After exchanging greetings Tori felt a little more at ease. Guang’s home seemed normal, and his sister was welcoming.
“Please sit,” Ling motioned to a pair of bamboo mats. “I will prepare some tea.”
Tori and Aran sat with Guang who explained the history of the mountain hideaway.
“What is that building with the carved images?” Tori asked.
Before Guang could answer, Ling appeared with a tray. “I thought you might be hungry. Here are freshly baked cakes and dried fruit.”
The smell of the tea and food reminded Tori that she hadn’t eaten since breakfast. She forgot about her question and enjoyed the delicious refreshments.
At the end of the meal Tori jumped up. “Thank you very much for your kindness. We must be on our way.”
“But I still have something to show you,” said Guang.
“It is getting late. Perhaps another time,” Tori insisted. “Let’s go Aran.”
Guang led his guests back the way they had come in. As they passed the stone building, an old man stepped out to greet them.
“Good afternoon,” the man wore a white skull cap and a small gray beard.
“Good afternoon,” said Tori. Even though she was anxious to leave, she did not want to be rude.
“It’s so nice of you to visit us.”
“Thank you. Guang brought us to your lovely village, but it is getting late.”
“Yes, we must get home, or our parents will worry,” Aran added.
“Please, come in,” The old man gestured toward the arched entryway. “I promise I won’t keep you long.”
Tori felt a rush of anxiety. She desperately wanted to get home but did not want to offend the harmless-looking old man.
“Well, just for a few minutes,” Tori agreed.
To be continued
***
What do you think the stone building is?
What is it that makes Tori worried?
Read 2 Corinthians 11:14-15