The HazeWalker

Finding my Roots

It was a beautiful fall, September day, as I was walked through the town of Jalagih. I hadn’t really got

to appreciate the beauty of this majestic countryside yet. From the amazing contrast of the different colored

leaves that decorated the trees along the skyline, to the rolling green hills as far as the eye could see. There

was fields that contained cows, horses, sheep and goat. There was even roosters and chickens running around in the middle of the dirt road. I wonder how they keep up with whose chickens these are. I laughed at

the thought as I watched them peck at the dirt and gravel. The town was beautifully spaced with stores that

would supply the small town with everything it needed.. There were farm houses of every shape and color

scattered about the hills and town. Everyone had to know everybody who lived here, and most likely

everything about them.

I shoved my hands in my the pockets of my jeans as I took a deep breath of the cool morning air.

That’s when I noticed a gas station. It was almost at the end of town, but not to far of a walk. I started walking

briskly in that direction. I’m sure who ever owned the gas station, or worked there would know who I could

speak with, or where I could fine either the Principal Chief or the Alpha.

A few minutes later I walked up to the small white and red gas station, that only had one very old

pump and seemed to double as a general store. The sign read Aniyunwiya General Store. I walked through

the door hearing the ding of the bell over head. “Can I help you?” A bright voice asked from behind the

counter. I peeked around the corner and noticed a beautiful tall woman with tan skin, and very long silky

black hair. She was setting next to an old man who must have at least been in his nineties. He was in a

wheelchair, and had a fur blanket draped over his legs. His hair had once been as black as the woman's but

was now a beautiful salt and pepper color. They were watching television in the corner out of view of the

customers. He looked at me and smiled, raising his hand to say hello. I smiled back at him “Hello I’m sorry to

intrude, but I’m new here. You probably knew my parents Isabelle and Joshua Baker.” I stuttered nervously.

The old man pulled on the womans sleeve making her bend over so he could whisper in her ear.

“Grandfather would like to speak with you if that’s okay.” The woman asked with a smile. “It would be an

honor.” I told her excitedly. This man would know so much about the tribe, and about what I was. I couldn’t

wait to hear what he had to say.

She turned his wheelchair and led me into the back of the store where a small kitchen and living room

were set up. I suspect so that the man would be comfortable during the day, while at the store. “Please sit.”

she told me pointing to the couch she had just parked the wheelchair beside of. The old man smiled up at me

and patted the cushion. My heart swelled with love for this man, but I found it odd because I didn’t even know

him. “I am Annalisa, and this is my father Tsiyi. He is the oldest living member of the tribe..” she explained as

she sat beside of me on the couch. I was soaking everything in happily. “Grandfather was the tribe’s

medicine man and a tribal justice, at the time that your parents were killed. Your father studied alongside of

him as a teenager, and became his assistant for times when he couldn't handle a situation on his own.” as

she spoke she looked at Tsiyi with love and respect. “Let’s just say your father wasn’t needed very often.”

she laughed. “Grandfather is a stubborn man who will not give up easily, and does not like to accept help.

You father always got stuck with the dirty jobs, but they had an unbreakable bond. One that was to be valued

and respected.” she told me as she patted the hand I had laid on my knee. I had been shaking my knee so

she must have known I was nervous.

The old man began waving his hand at her and started talking in a language I didn’t understand.

“Grandfather still speaks only A’ talia a Cherokee language that long ago became extinct. He refused to let

the old language die, teaching it to the children of the village, and to his family. “Grandfather has said he wishes to speak with you , and have me translate.” she told me as she nodded at him, letting him know to

continue. The language was beautiful, it was almost as if he was singing a song. If I stayed here long enough

I definitely wanted to learn as much of the Cherokee language as I could. “Grandfather said he has waited 23

years to meet you.” she told me with a smile. “He was your father’s father. You are his granddaughter.” she

finished leaving me in awe. This man in front of me was my grandfather, I was a part of him. Tears started

streaking my face as I leaned over and gave him a hug. “It is such an honor to be your granddaughter.” I told

him, faintly hearing Annalisa translate for me. I held his hand unable to let go. He began speaking again this

time looking directly in my eyes with a smile. “He says you are beautiful just like your mother.” Annalisa told

me as she patted my shoulder. “Thankyou.” I smiled at him with tears pooling in my eyes. I turned back to

Annalisa, “so are you my cousin?” I whispered to her. “Yes. My father is your father's brother, so you also

have an uncle.” she explained as I pulled her in for a hug. My god I belonged here. This was my family. How

could I ever think about leaving them. I thought as I wrapped my arms around Annalisa.

I could hear grandfather behind me began speaking, so I turned my attention back to him. “He wants

to know if anyone has explained to you about your abilities.” she asked me with a now serious look on her

face. Yes this is what I came here for.! I thought as I told her “No. I overheard a conversation between Adsila

and her grandson Kyle. They were speaking of my powers and how I am dangerous to the tribe. They said I

stuck out like a sore thumb.” Annalisa translated as I watched grandfathers face. I could see my father in his

facial expressions. He reminded me a lot of the picture Adsila had shown me.Grandfather shook his head

obviously angry over something and began speaking fast and loud. “Grandfather says you are beautiful, you

don’t look like a sore thumb.” she smiled as she told me. “I think he misunderstood.” I said to her with a smile.

Annalisa began explaining to him what she had meant to say, and he responded. “Your grandmother Ama

was a human, but was a dreamwalker. She married a skinwalker named Wesa. This was not accepted in

most tribe’s, to marry outside of the skinwalker race, but our tribe didn’t mind. You couldn’t help who you

loved.” he smiled, as Annalisa translated. “When your mother was born she had the light hair and creamy

skin. We suspected it was because of her abilities. She could phase, but she was also a dreamwalker in her

human and animal form.” he explained slowly so I would understand. “Somehow when your mother was

pregnant with you another tribe found out that one of our skinwalker’s had married a human, and they had a

child. Now their child was having a child, and so from what we understand in order to break the cycle they

murdered your mother thinking she was still pregnant. Obviously Joshua would have gave his life for your

mother, and that is what he did.” Grandfather explained as a tear escaped from his right eye. It had been

hard on him losing his son. I could never imagine what that felt like. “They knew nothing of your survival, or of

yours and your mothers powers. Although my child yours are much stronger than your mother's.” he

continued as he pointed at me and shook his finger.

I began only faintly hearing Annalisa, as I watched his lips and listened to his words it was asif I

almost understood him. “Your grandmother, Ama had told me of a child she had met while she was

dreaming. She said this child was her granddaughter, and that she looked like an angel. She told me this

child had great powers. More than I could ever imagine. She explained to me everything I needed to know

about her, and everything I would need to teach her. I asked her how she knew this would happen for sure, and she told me not to doubt such an amazing gift. One that the gods have bestowed upon us. So I trusted

her listening to all she had to say and teach me, and now here you are.” he finished with a smile. Tsiyi

looked at Annalisa and spoke to her in his ancient tongue. “He wishes for you to stay with us at our house.

He says you are family and we need you as you need us. He has also said that if you would like to spend

some days working at the store you are more than welcome. She laughed at the last part. “Grandfather is

always hiring within the family.” she joked. I wanted to be with my family and to learn more about myself. “I

would be more than honored to stay with you and help at the store.” I told grandfather as Annalisa translated.

He shook his head and pulled me in for a hug. I could feel his frail fingers on my back. He was so frail, all

over his body but I also felt that he was one of the strongest most amazing men I had ever met in my life.