Taelo: The Golden Feather
The giant black bird soared gracefully high above towering snowcapped mountains. An Eagle almost as large as large flew effortlessly below. The two both exuded power and a command of the sky. Taelo did not know the mountains. He knew he was in a new place, but it also felt ancient. He was being called.
Taelo awoke. A cool morning breeze lifted the hide covering the entrance to his hutch. The morning mist telegraphed a cloudy and hazy day. He would see to what he could find to eat and then find Golden Hawk and share his vision. Perhaps he would understand the dream.
Golden Hawk's reaction and the fact that he had a remarkably similar dream. He not only saw the two giant birds, but he also saw a strange village built into the mountain.
The team dinner provided the opportune moment to see who might be interested in a quite different and perhaps exciting journey. Taelo walked slowly up the beach to the giant boulder that served as the location for the teams periodic evening meal together. Each team member took a turn in preparing the meal for the rest. This was Burley Bear's turn. He had become quite a fine cook. The smell of roasting boar had his mouth watering.
Taelo waited until after everyone had washed down the last succulent bite and then brought up the fact that he and Golden Hawk were planning on a trek.
He wondered if any of the team might be interested in such a venture. The reaction was overwhelming. Every one of the team wanted to come. Little Otter voiced the one possible barrier the team might face. He pointed out that the spring fishing and other food gathering was about to commence. Would the Elk Clan leaders allow them to leave at such a time?
Taelo knew that his mother, White Swan, would know how to handle the situation. He shared his dream with her and the fact that the entire team that had bonded during their long hunt together all wanted to accompany him as well.
White Swan pointed to the fact that the fish trap would yield more fish than the Elk Clan needed. The buffalo in the Valley of plenty would provide more meat and hides than the clan would need. She was sure that the team would be missed but the Elk Clan would be prepared for the gathering of all Clans and they would be as wealthy as the previous meeting.
It was a go for the team.
The journey to the far mountains leads to the discovery of an advanced population, the Condor Clan.
The team learns many skills and encounters a new animal that has been tamed and provides meat and hides to the Condor Clan.
All seems well until their new friend, Bold Walker, son of the Condor Clan leader, shares the fact that his sister, Feather-in-the-Wind, has been selected to be sacrificed to the Condor. This was an event that happened every ten seasonal cycles. The selection of the young woman to be sacrificed to be the mate of the Condor was made based on the beauty and the pureness of the one that was chosen.
Feather in the Wind is celebrated by the entire Condor Clan and led up the mountain to the cave of the Condor mates.
There she is placed next to more than one hundred frozen beautiful former sacrifices.
She is saved by Quiet Rabbit and Busy Bee. Taelo and the team take her with them and return to the Elk Clan.
They meet an enemy Warrior Clan on their return journey. This obstacle is overcome.
Taelo and team arrive in time to join the Elk Clan and the Clan of Others to the meeting of all the Clans.
His adventures earn Taelo the distinction of becoming a member of all the Clans and he is awarded the Golden Feather.
