The Wings of Creation by R. David Anderson

Author:R. David Anderson [Anderson, R. David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-06-01T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

The Mission

I was at the cliff falls, watching the stream roar down from the high rock ledges above. There was a slight breeze and I could smell sweet pine resin.

I heard voices. Umbunti warriors emerged from the woods, all fully armed. I immediately ran up the cliff trail to warn my people. Several of the warriors pursued me. I stumbled on some rocks in the trail and fell face down. I hurt my leg. The warriors grabbed me as I cried out in agony. Blood rushed out of a large gash in my shin. I was lifted back to my feet by the warriors. There was Tam-Rue and Bordith standing down the trail, laughing at me. All the warriors laughed.

Then there was a more laughter. I opened my eyes and saw children playing a game of tag across from me on the other side of the long house.

I got up and folded my blanket and rolled up the mat. Despite the bad dream I felt rested.

Amara came over from the tables. She had been up and already eaten breakfast. “Good morning, Saline. How are you today?”

“I had a bad dream, but now feel much better,” I said. “I need to cleanse myself.”

Amara showed me to the outhouses, located away from the other buildings for privacy. I went into the women’s enclosure. There were water jugs and large bowls for washing on a table, and three large clay pots at the side. I went into the clay pots and cleansed myself. I also washed my long hair and used a wood comb. I placed my clothing on a line and cleaned it with a hard bristle brush. Then I rubbed some scented oils all over and got dressed.

I made my way back to the long house. Amara and her mother were sitting at a table near the fire pit. Amara motioned me to come join them.

Everyone had finished breakfast, and I gave apologies for having slept so late.

Atarena just looked at me and smiled. “Come and sit, Saline. I will get you some hot breakfast.”

She picked up an earthenware bowl and put some oil inside. Then she added ham chunks and an egg. It fried up rapidly over the red-hot coals. She placed the food into a smaller bowl and set it in front of me.

I picked up a wood spoon and began to eat very slowly. Amara gave me some flat bread and some sweet goats’ milk. Everything tasted delicious.

I scrapped my bowl with my wood spoon, finishing up the last few bites of egg and ham, then swallowed one more gulp of goat’s milk.

“I will rub some soothing salve on your wounds after you eat,” Atarena said. “Are you in pain?”

“It is better, Atarena. It may take a while to heal. I am glad to be away from that place”

I described my ordeal in detail, from the moment I had been captured at the wood pile at the cliffs to Amara’s daring rescue. Atarena shook her head when I spoke about Bordith and the terrible treatment he had inflicted on me.

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