The night had fallen and the fires roared in the
village. At the largest fire an old woman sat with her blankets wrapped about
her. Soon, from the huts of the village, young children ran towards the fire
and the old woman. From 5 years up to 12 or 13, boys and girls alike raced to
the fire, for it was time to listen and to learn. Twenty plus children found a
spot around the fire close enough to hear the wise words of the Tribal Seer,
and to learn more of the past of their tribe.
Smiling
at the eager faces of the children, Motu the Seer waited for the last child to
settle in before telling her lesson for the night. With a voice strong and sure
she began. “Children, how many of you know why when we join mates in our village they ask for the blessing of Letra and Cobar while holding the red and white
staff of joining?” After seeing several heads shaking and eager eyes waiting
for the lesson, Motu began.
“In
the summer before my father’s father’s father, the might river that still runs
by our village,” Motu pointed in the direction of the river, “ran strong and
provided a rich supply of fish; the water was clear and sweet as it is today.
Then, one morning the tribal Chieftain found the river had dried up over night;
in the muddy riverbed fish lay dying. The wise Chieftain sent two of his
fastest runners up the river into the mountains to see how far back the river
had dried up and why it was dry. Days passed and the tribe danced to Gura, the
river goddess, to restore their river that gave them life. The dances continued
day after day until, on the third morning, a single runner returned to the
Chieftain. Although the runner was a brave member of the tribe, a look of great
fear filled his eyes as he dropped to his knees in front of the Chieftain.
