Yewper

 

Yewper

Escanaba was located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. To be more exact, the middle Southern area of the Upper Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula is not Canada, but is above the Mackinac Bridge. It was a place I lived for many years. It was a place that I loved. We call the people up here “Yoopers.” This is a take off on U-Per, for the U.P. (Upper Peninsula of Michigan).

One Summer day as a kid, while riding my bicycle out to Sand Island (now called Aronson Island), which is the Island past our beach house. It was mostly all sand at one time. At least that is how I remember it as a kid. Little do I know, but at that time, I was about to find a whole new meaning and spelling to the word Yooper. My name is Clem, and one Summer day, my friends Skeb, Buzz, & I decided to take a ride out to the Island on our bicycles. I know, those aren't our real names. But what I'm about to tell you must remain secret. As I look back, it's hard for me to believe it too. But, here I am getting ahead of myself.

Summer on the Island brought many birds to the Island. I love hearing the many different kinds of birds sing across the whole Island. It was also the time when the Lilac Bushes would bloom. But in my childhood, there was another reason I would go there. Frogs! Me and my friends would go there and try to catch those fast hopping Green Leapers. They were fast and jumped very high. But soon, we caught onto their ways and were catching many. I remember as we were entering the Island, there was a big pond with Pollywogs in it. I always thought, “Wow, those will grow up to be frogs.” I remember this one time, when Skeb & Buzz were chasing down this really big Green Leaper, when I got distracted by something that caught my eye. I saw a bald head in the distance, and this person was short. Kids back then had short haircuts, so I could assume it was bald. Even without seeing some short hair on top. I thought maybe this kid wandered off from the parents, and I was going to get him back to his parents. So I walked in the direction of where I saw this kid. When I got there, he was gone. I saw this kid not far from where we use to dig for worms, right across from the Boat Launch. Where in the heck did he go? I looked further out down the road to the end of the Island. I was sure I spotted him there. Maybe he was off to where his parents were. Yet, still, I wanted to make sure he got to where his parents were. I knew he was a young boy, and his parents would be worried. I was hoping to see his parents smile as their little boy returned.

I saw him run into the Woods right beyond that big pine tree. He seemed to have disappeared. I kept on a going anyway. Then I saw him again in the woods there. He was beckoning me to follow him. At the time I thought maybe his parents had a little tent out there, and were just spending a day away from home. I knew how the Island made me feel, so I could understand that. As I got closer, I also got a closer look at him. He was the strangest kid I ever saw in Escanaba or anywhere else. His nose seemed bigger than most kids, and his ears a bit bigger too. My curiosity got the better of me, and I came closer to where he was. His hand reached out and pulled me in. It must be some sort of Portal, because I wasn't in the woods that I saw on the Island. I came through on the other side, and was surrounded by little people like the one I just followed through. These little people were staring at me. I must have looked like a giant to them. I have never seen any part of the Island that looked like this. I wondered where I was, but knew it wasn't Escanaba any more.

One of the little people, a little man with blue eyes, pointed to himself and said “Yewper.” I asked him if that was his name, and he nodded. A short woman with blue eyes came up and pointed at herself and said “Yewper.” “Oh!” I said, as it dawned on me, “you people are Yewpers!” As though I said some magical word, they all started dancing and singing. They seemed like a happy bunch who liked to have fun. They pulled at my hands to join in, and before I knew it, I was dancing around with them all. Somehow their cheery spirits were transferred to me, and I was feeling happy to be there and was having fun dancing and singing with them. As I danced, so many questions went through my head.

Who were these people? Where did they come from? Why was I here? What did they want me for? As I closed my mind to listen, I heard several calling out “Ezab.” Not sure what they meant by that. That word could be almost anything. Then I noticed before me, a little man with brown hair and brown eyes. He looked up at me and spoke, and I understood him. “Hello dweller of the land beyond, I am Ezab, I speak for the Yewpers.” His hand motioned over the little people gathered around there. I wanted to ask him the questions that were going through my mind, but found myself unable to talk.

“Your name is Clem, am I right?” asked Ezab.

“Yes, it is, how did you know?” I replied.

“We've been seeing you on the other side of the portal often, and have been watching you” Ezab said with a smile. Continuing, he said, “You are just who we were looking for.”

“Watching Me?” I thought. What I said was “What For?”

“Well,” he replied, “that will take some time to tell. Will you join us for some tea and scrufflers?”

I was lead to a small house. I could barely fit inside. I found scrufflers to be a cross between donuts and cookies. They were very good.

“Is Ezab your name?” I asked the little man who offered me the tea and scrufflers.

“Yes it is” he said as he stuffed a whole scruffler into his mouth. I didn't want to ask anything more while his mouth was full.

Finally after he had finished, and had taken a sip of tea, I asked “Why did you pick me, and what for?”

I noticed a bunch of Yewpers all gathering around me as Ezab got ready to tell me something. Then the little man spoke up. “Clem, you come to the Island often, to catch frogs, pick wild peas, or just to let your mind wander. Our Seer picked you, because you have an eye for seeing things that nobody else can see. Our Seer saw your future, and we see you on the Island even more often, yet for different reasons.

He was talking about the Island as if we were elsewhere now, so I must be somewhere else.

“Yes,” Ezab said as if he could read my thoughts, “You did go through a portal, and yes, you are in our world now. I want you to remember while you are here, it may have some similarities, but there are many differences as well. Many of them are very dangerous. Our world still has the magic that your world lost many ages ago. “

Our world had magic? I thought to myself, wow, I didn't really know that.

“You also have a gift,” Ezab said as he smiled at me, “that we are in need of at this very moment.”

My mind kept wandering. I know there was more to this story, and more to learn about these Yewpers. I had so many questions going through my head, but this one came to mind first. “Ezab, are all your people short?”

Ezab smiled as he responded. “All the Yewpers are short, but not all the people on this world are Yewpers. They come in many ranges of size, shape, and color.”

Like I was hit over the head, I thought, “Did he say gift?” Clem had his hands in his pockets and pulled out a small bouncy ball, an old penny, and a dried old pea. The last must have fallen in there by accident. He had no gift that he knew of.

“Ezab,” Clem didn't know exactly how to tell him, “I have no gift at all, unless you mean this.” Clem held up the bouncy ball, and Ezab smiled.

“The gift is not something you see,” Ezab responded, “It is something on the inside of you. You use it for many different things, and in many different ways. Yours is hidden from you. When the time is right, it will present itself. “

Clem noticed the Yewpers were moving closer, and he also noticed some taller people among them as well. Ezab stepped up to the front, and he started to speak to the audience. His voice seemed to carry quite well.

“We have gathered here for an important meeting,” Ezab said as everyone looked to the front where he stood, on what looked like a large stone.

“There is trouble in not only Yewperland, but all across our world, and I have gathered you here for a reason. Those standing in the front row, will be the chosen ones on this very important quest to Morkette. There you will go to Picturesque Isle, where you you'll get further instructions on where you'll be going, and why.” Clem stepped back very quietly into the second row, thinking surely Ezab wasn't including him in this quest.

Ezab went on, “We will also be taking one from the second row as well.”

Clem looked around, thinking, surely he meant someone else. Just to be on the safe side, he slowly moved back into the third row.

Ezab continued. “I would like to introduce the ones who will be going on this quest.”

A bald head man stepped forward. Medium build, with dark brown eyes, He had two swords at his side, strapped in. Ezab watched as he came forward and turned back to the audience and said “Let me introduce Caskar, the greatest sword fighter in these lands. He comes from Mackinominee, and has been training since he was ten years old.”

Next a tall dark haired woman stepped up. She had green eyes similar to a cat's, and as she looked around the audience, Clem felt she was seeing more than what she was looking at.

Ezab once again spoke up, “This is Borvena, from Morzanique. A Seer and Dream Watcher. Do not underestimate what she tells you, for it might just save your life.” Next up was a medium sized male with trimmed brown hair and blue eyes. Ezab smiled as he introduced him. “Nelvo from Ishwaubin. If you ever get lost, Nelvo can get you right back on track again. He knows these lands better than anyone else.”

Next to step up with a shorter curly haired woman, with brown eyes. Ezab smiled and said, “We are proud to have among us, the very best hand to hand fighter, Alboe, and she is from Yewpinee. A pure bred Yewper, who is a great edition to your team.”

Everybody applauded everyone standing up there. Ezab seemed looking for someone in the audience. Clem, by this time had worked his way to the doorway in back. He wondered who the next person would be. Ezab's voice filled the room, as he introduced the next team member. “Our last but not least team member is from a doorway to another place. He can communicate with animals.” While Ezab went on, Clem was heading out the doorway. He noticed a big muscular man standing there. This man got in front and wouldn't let Clem leave. Clem looked up and pointed at his crotch as if to say “Bathroom.” The muscular man smiled and spoke “Gondo thinks you need to up front first.” As he said that, Gondo picked up Clem and started towards the front. Everyone looked back as Gondo, with Clem on his shoulder, worked their way to the front. Gondo set Clem down right next to Ezab. Clem turned and thanked Gondo for the ride.

Ezab smiled and faced the crowd, as he made a longer introduction. “Clem has the ability to speak with birds and other animals and also understand what they say.” Clem smiled shyly and softly said, “I never could before.” As Clem stood among the team of people going on the quest, Ezab asked everyone to applaud for them. They did, and everyone bowed, except Clem and wondered why their heads were looking down. He looked down and thought maybe his bouncy ball had bounced out of his pocket, but checking, it was still there.

Ezab got everyone's attention again. “Now Everyone! Enjoy this farewell party!” He continued, “Because tomorrow they are off to Morkette.” Morkette, thought Clem, they have a lot of hills there. His Dad was born and raised there.

All of a sudden a tall woman with dark hair and green eyes bumped into him. “Hi, I'm Borvena. Here, try a Kitterskug Tewsby.” She handed him an odd looking drink with a purplish color with swirls of bright gold. Clem took a sip, and was surprised to find it was as good as it looked.

“Wow!” he said to Borvena, “this really is delicious, Thanks!”

Borvena smiled and walked away. Clem watched as he hips seemed to dance as she walked. His mind was wandering, and he wondered if that was the effects of the purple drink. Then he found himself getting higher and higher and he was above the people's heads. He looked down and found Gondo had picked him up.

“Gondo! What are you doing? Let me down!” Clem demanded of the large muscular man.

“I thought little man might want a birds eye view, “ Gondo said with a wide smile on his face.

“Very funny Gondo,” Clem said as he was set down gently on the floor between Caskar and Alboe, who were deep in a conversation. Alboe turned towards Clem, as if to bring him straight into their conversation. “And what do you think Clem?”

“Think of what?” Clem smiled, not really sure of what they were talking about.

Caskar cut in, “We were discussing the people of Dawg Tail. I believe they are great fighters, and very smart. But this girl, err I mean woman, thinks the people of Kishtimming are even better.”

They were both looking at Clem, waiting for an answer.

“Okay, Caskar, Have you ever seen the people of Kishtimming fight?” Clem asked him.

Caskar looked confused, and said “No, why?”

“Then how would you know they aren't better fighters than those at Dawg Tail,” Clem explained.

Alboe smiled and said, “My point exactly! Thanks Clem.” She bent over and kissed Clem on the right cheek.

Clem thought, he could really get to like these farewell parties, or at least this one anyway.

The party lasted well into the night. Yet everyone managed to get to bed before the early morning hours.

The bed that Clem slept on, was very soft. Almost like sleeping on a cloud. His mind drifted off to Sand Island, and wondering what his friends thought had happened to him. Then he drifted off to sleep. He found himself listening to a sparrow. “Your friends looked for you at first. Ezab told them that you went off somewhere, and would return later. So they went off minding their own business.” Clem woke up, and thought, that was weird. That sparrow talked to me, and I could understand every word.

It was daylight now. Clem saw that his window was open, and saw a sparrow on a branch just outside his window. He got up and went to the window. “Hey you, Mr Sparrow, do you understand what I am saying?” The sparrow looked his way, and then flew off the branch. Clem thought he scared off the sparrow. Not long following, the sparrow landed on the window sill. Looking at Clem it said “Of course I understand you. I am not daft! I am also a Ms. not a Mr.”

Clem had to ask, “Are you the one who told me about my friends in my sleep?”

Then it replied “You were asleep, yet picked up every word I spoke to you. Good job Clem!”

Wow! This sparrow even knew his name.

“Don't be so surprised Clem” the sparrow said. “Your name was given to me at the start, so we'd know who we were talking to. It's always great to have an introduction of who we are talking to.”

Clem wanted to know, “Can the others understand you like I can?”

The sparrow replied, “People can't understand us, but other flying species can. You are the only human who is set on our wavelength.”

Clem thought he could talk to birds all day long and not get bored. He still couldn't understand why he could, and others couldn't.

“Why Me?” he asked.

The sparrow cocked her head up and down and side to side and said “You have the gift. You have tuned yourself into our frequency.”

“Wait a minute!” Clem wondered, “In my world they don't understand me, nor I am them.”

The sparrow cocked its head twice and flew through the open window onto Clem's right shoulder. “You are not in your world now.”

The sparrow continued “Try to remember, that in this world, your senses are higher. By the way, in your world I am a sparrow, but you can call me Sabella.

Clem smiled, “Oh, that's right, you're a female”

“Yes!” Sabella replied, I hope that won't be a problem.

“Not at all,” Clem replied, “I love females.”

Sabella flew onto the window sill and turned to Clem and said “You just keep your pecker away from me. I don't mingle with other creatures.” And then she flew off.

Clem stepped outside and saw everyone was ready for the journey. They had their packs all loaded and set to go. “Packs! Oh Shit!” Clem ran back inside and grabbed his pack and started loading it. Ezab had brought provisions last night, and Clem totally forgot to pack. He had never been on a quest like this one claimed to be. This was all new to him. When he thought he couldn't fit anything more into it, he stopped and tied the string to close it.

Ezab was in the doorway. Startling Clem, he said “Are you ready? They are waiting for you.”

Clem had a look of excitement mixed with fear on his face, as he replied with “As ready as I'll ever be.” He followed Ezab outside.

Clem didn't see any Dangmers about. He looked disappointed. “I thought we'd be riding the Dangmers.”

Ezab frowned and said “I'm sorry Clem, but it's the Dangmer's mating season, you'll be going on foot.”

Dangmers were minature long haired horses with white noses. They were easy to ride and very intelligent when it came to journeys across the land. When it came to needs, their sexual needs always came first.

He looked around and saw that everyone was ready to get started, and were waiting for him. Nelvo lead the way, as they started off. Clem took one look back, and he saw Ezab wave and then put two fingers together and one across. Which he found out later, meant good luck, and may you come back in one piece.

As they entered the woods, he saw deer run off. One deer stopped and he heard “Be careful, it's a bad world out there.” Then it ran off to join the others.

Clem spotted a blue squirrel in a tree. He smiled, and thought, all squirrels should be that color.

He noticed that Borvena was walking by his side. She smiled and with a gleam in her eye said “This should be quite an adventure, Mr Birdman of another world.” Clem wondered what she would think if she knew it wasn't only birds he talked to.

A Dragonfly of bright purple passing by said “I'm sure it wouldn't surprise her in the least.”

“Sheesh!” Clem thought, “Now insects too!”

“It's not that bad!” The purple Dragonfly said as it flew off.

As they were walking, he noticed Alboe was watching him. He wondered what could be on her mind.

Nelvo stopped and turned to the group of travelers following him. “Everyone, watch out for wood ticks. We are now entering the Wiahatha Forest.”

“Wood ticks!” Thought Clem, “They're even in other worlds. We can't escape those nasty blood suckers.”

He spotted a wood tick on his arm, and was about to flick it off. When he said “How about donating some blood to your favorite bud.”

Clem flicked him off, pretty sure it got his answer.

This is where I got so far. But I am still outlining it and as soon as I have it pretty well outlined, I shall go back and write more.

© by Bud Lemire 2019