The breeze-caressed veld sways, sending parched waves to break on a distant shore. The two men sleep on. Under the gaze of their eagle totem, they dream of the great herds of springbok, eland and kudu which once stalked the land; and of the zebra and wildebeest, hunted by prides and tribes.
Back on the koppie, strong arms carry the young man’s trance-cast body into the cool darkness of the cave, where the ancestor paintings will watch over him. The new maiden emerges to stand on the threshold, proud and tall in that powerful place between hearth and wilderness.
Everywhere between, the veld bakes. Shimmers of hot air rise above the rocks and whirlwind dust-devils dance over bare earth, rising up to be scorched into stillness.
Later, as the tendril fingers of the thorn-tree’s shadow reach out towards the smudge-blue mountains, the San Man appears out of the jagged heat haze. A hide pouch is slung across his bony barrel chest; he carries the carcass of a small, furred animal. At his approach, the two men stir. The eagle bows, locking its keen eye with that of the returned hunter, before taking flight on strong, silent wings which will carry him back to the beckoning maiden who stands on the threshold of the night.
Still entranced by the dream-world of the ancestors, the two men look on as the San Man conjures fire. As the thin flames crackle, he offers them water which is cool, sweet and laced with magic.
/…to be continued
Lovely mythical story 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Tom 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chris, this is such a captivating story. 💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Sadje!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome 🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Location and perfect descriptions of events put me with the men without dialogue. Just as well. I probably wouldn’t understand their language. Nice series Chris.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Darnell 🙂 Sitting on the sidelines, we can only watch and feel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m still entranced by this story. Looking forward to more!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the feedback, Susan, that’s so encouraging 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So evocative and some really beautiful language here Chris. Loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Matthew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
can’t wait for the continuation, loved it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jude, I’m so pleased that your enjoying this 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
my pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] /…previously […]
LikeLike