The Honey Gatherer

The story is set in a sparsely populated tract of the heavily forested foot-hills of the Himalayas; an area that lies roughly between India and Nepal and in places is virtually untouched. The 'Forest People' of this area have minimal contact with the outside world and dwell entirely in the forest living off its produce. These are the 'Wild Honey Gatherers" a race almost extinct. They have strange ways and are rumored to possess the ability to communicate with birds and beasts. When encountered they fade into the forest shadows. Village people give them a wide berth fearing the strange occult or shaman powers they possess. 'The forest spirits protect them' is a widely held belief. This story is about one such family - its secrets, its mystical powers, and its accord with nature.