In The Beginning

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Late that evening, just as the sun set and darkness fell over the valley, we finally arrived at the village. Both Catto and Kalou were at the point of collapse; fighting against the struggling ewes the entire trip while carrying the heavy packs had taken every bit of their strength. As we walked into the village an incredible uproar ensued. The villagers were excited to see the goats, and knives immediately came out as the tribe ran at them, believing they were meant for a feast.

  How brainless could these people be? Did they understand nothing? All the frustration that had been building during the long, stressful return trip boiled to the surface in a fierce display of rage.

  “You fools! Do not kill the animals!” I roared, and the villagers instantly fell back, silenced by fear. Kalou and Catto could only stand there, swaying with exhaustion; it was taking all of their strength just to remain on their feet.

  “We have traveled farther than any except Garon has ever travelled. We have discovered wondrous plants and animals that will feed the village forever, stone that will give us new tools and weapons. We have done mighty things, and this is how we are honored? You want to kill what we have worked so hard to bring back alive, while we stand here with our arms full and the packs still on our backs!”

  I looked at the gathered villagers, my fury burning intensely. “Know this!” I shouted, “Anyone that harms one of these animals will be killed by my hand before the next sun sets. These animals must live. They are not to be eaten!”

  At that moment, unable to stand any longer, Kalou collapsed, utterly exhausted. People rushed forward, some grabbing the ewe as it attempted to run away, while others gathered up Kalou and moved her towards the fire. The villagers watched me apprehensively as some took the packs from Catto and me, others took the goats, and still others gingerly took the stones from my arms.

  Even I was tired. I had not slept in two nights, and this trip combined with my journey to the river two nights earlier had pushed me to my limits. I did not know how my companions had done it, and I was impressed by both their physical and mental strength.

  Kalou was brought to the fire and she soon revived, but remained on the ground reclining, where she was joined by Catto. I stood wearily next to them. The attention of the subdued villagers was focused upon us, the silence broken only by the continued bleating of the goats.

  Now calm, I told the villagers in a loud, clear voice all that had occurred the last two days. As I spoke, I pulled the various fruits and vegetables out of our packs, describing to the villagers what they were and how they were meant to be eaten. I handed out the samples and each person was able to get a taste of everything. The villagers were amazed at the varied flavors and exclaimed excitedly over every bite that passed their lips.

  The food was soon gone, with the tribe having eaten every scrap. I had their undivided attention and the time was right, so I continued on, describing my plan for transforming their village.

  It took a while for them to understand what I intended. I had to go over the same information several times, explaining how they could grow all the fruits and vegetables in the meadow next to the village instead of going into the forest each day to gather only potatoes. Finally, after much discussion they seemed to understand why it would be better to grow their food.

  Explaining why they could not eat the goats immediately was complicated. No one understood the benefit of keeping them alive for a steady supply of milk and cheese, since they had never eaten any. No matter what I said, I could tell that everyone still wanted to eat them. But they feared me and knew I was serious when I threatened to kill anyone that harmed the goats, so I knew they were safe for now. Once I made cheese I was sure the tribe would understand why I wanted to keep the goats alive.

  Lastly I told them about the outcropping of stone I had found. I passed around the rocks I had carried back and they immediately saw this stone was much better than what they currently used for their tools and weapons. The tribe's hunters were especially impressed. Unlike growing crops and raising goats, this was something they understood, and they realized how they could benefit from this discovery.

  The meeting had carried on long into the night. The little ones, along with Catto, Kalou and a few other adults, had fallen asleep. Though many people still had questions, I silenced the crowd, telling those still awake that we would speak further the next day. I hid it well, but I was also exhausted, and this night I truly needed rest.

  Warning the villagers once again to keep the goats safe during the night, I dismissed the tribe. People slowly drifted off to their huts, whispering and watching me out of the corners of their eyes as they left the fire.

  I motioned to Garon, Nadar, and Cadune, the guard I had come to know, and told them I wanted to meet with the elders and tribal leaders in the morning to plan the work that needed to be done. They agreed, and I charged Cadune with watching over the goats that night, keeping them safe until the morning.

  The goats had made an extra loud racket when we first entered the village, but they had finally quieted down and now slept, as exhausted by the long trip as we humans were.

  I said to Cadune with a smile, “Be careful now. They’re quiet, so if I hear them during the night I’ll know you’re trying to get some more dinner. Don’t make me come out here to kill you.”

  Laughing, Cadune assured me, “Don’t worry, I’m not that hungry. I’ll let you get some sleep tonight.”

  Satisfied, I went to my hut where I slept like the dead.