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wisdom, and Bellina,
seer and reader of signs and omens. Manana, as the principle witness to the
latest event, had also been summoned.
They wasted no
time. No sooner had the searchers deposited their equipment, that the meeting
got underway. Paco did not need to ask Habby why he had called this meeting.
He realised, that with
the incident in the
field; the eagle above the camp earlier; and now Habby's daughters had returned
with an eaglet, it was obvious that there was trouble in the wind. He asked
Habby to relate to the Elders, the incident in the olive field.
As he rencountered
the event, the onlookers standing a respectful distance from the Elders,
listened intently. Bellina also listened carefully, occasionally nodding her
head at certain points of the narration. When he had concluded, the Elders
called for some of the men who had been in the olive field that day, to give
their versions. Although they believed every word Habby told them, they wanted
Bellina to hear the story from different perspectives.
Next Paco and Habby
were both asked to relate what had happened in Paco’s wagon that day. Again
they wanted to hear both versions in full.
Finally, they called
Manana to give her account of how she found the bird, and what she did to keep
it alive. As she explained how she set about trying to heal the eaglet, the
look of astonishment at what she had done, was visible all round. When she had
finished giving her account, she pleaded with the Elders to keep the bird, so as
to complete the healing she had started.
Now that everybody
had told their story, the silence was broken by excited chatter, as the audience
speculated on what the day's event could mean.
Paco raised his
hands, indicating that he wanted silence. When the noise had died down, he
addressed the community.
“I think it’s
better,” he started, “that everyone not directly involved in the discussions,
return to their wagons. Tomorrow is another working day”. Here he paused
before resuming. “You’ll find out what we decide later. “Goodnight everyone.”
He concluded.
There were a few
disgruntled murmurs, but gradually the crowd left the clearing.
When everyone had
left, except the Elders, Habby’s family, Bellina and Pierre, the debate began in
earnest. Fortified by warm wine to keep the cold at bay, the discussion lasted
until the early hours of morning. Through it all, Bellina sat mainly in
silence, occasionally asking a question to clear up some point.
Finally, she rose
and waited until everyone had stopped talking.
“I have heard all
the facts,” she told the attentive listeners, “I believe that it is our duty to
heal Manana’s eaglet. Our history says, that when we left the burning lands,
our people were guided to the green continent by an eagle. Our history and our
destiny is related to these creatures, we would betraying our ancestors if we
did not to help.” Here Bellina paused. “Where this may lead us, I am unable to
say, I shall contemplate these matters, and look for further signs.” Having
said this. Bellina rose and left for home.
Immediately after,
Paco rose, and looking to the assembly, he addressed them once more.
“I know this goes
without saying, bur I stress the need to keep this a tightly guarded secret. If
the valleys inhabitants were to find that we shelter one of the birds, I don’t
think our lives will be worth much in the future.”
There was a general
murmur of assent.
“I too am fatigued,”
Paco continued, “I would also like to rest and contemplate these matters
further. “Goodnight all.” He concluded.
This was the signal
for the assembly to break up, and everyone to return home.
Manana and Habby
carried the stretcher with the eaglet into their own wagon. Once inside, Manana
fed the eaglet a herbal remedy to keep it asleep. Satisfied that it would not
wake for many hours yet, Manana lay on her bunk and fell immediately asleep.
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