Spring, 1423

Oevcn was drawing in the dust, planning out the first steps of his journey when a shadow fell over him. The young cyno looked up to see an older, grizzled tan-furred individual bracketed by the afternoon sun.

&Dad!&

Numan the Curandero took off his battered wooden slat armor, removed a wrapped pole strapped to his back, and knelt down beside his son. Oevcn’s adopted father was frequently busy, traveling along the Great Trade Trail to Jakle and Phokas to mediate disputes or Coriloi for trade or Cnaeus for war. Still, when the great warrior and tribal chief returned, he always made sure to meet up with Oevcn.

&Hello, my son.& Numan smiled. &You are almost a man now. You have gone through all the trials and experiments of childhood, and now the spirits have determined that you are ready for the next phase in your life by changing your body. You are almost an adult, but not yet. You have one final test, to prove what you have learned. It is time for you to begin your journey to sing your song.&

Numan ruffled the hairs on Oevcn's head. &Now, a child on his journey to write his song is allowed only one item to help. Your mother-she is an amazing woman, my boy, bravest warrior I’ve ever met-but your mother wanted something practical for use in emergencies, a firestarter or a packet of poultices. I knew that you wouldn't be satisfied with that. You wanted something for a hero. Well, I got just the thing.&

The tan-furred warrior pulled over his pole and unwrapped the covering in front of Oevcn.

&This was my hunting spear. It was passed down to me by my father, who had it passed down by his own father, my grandfather, and your great grandfather. Now I used this spear in a thousand hunts, in raids, and when I sang my own song. I used it at Natural Castle, when our tribe held off a settler army sent to destroy us all, then at White Bird Creek when I ambushed another force of humans attacking us. It is a good spear, a warrior’s spear, and now I hand it over to you.&

Eyes wide and glistening, the dark cyno received the coveted artifact. He looked up at his father.

&Thank you, dad! I will use it to bring glory! I will use it to make a great song! I will make you proud!&

Numan laughed and hugged his son.

&I’m sure you will Oevcn. Now, go speak to your mother, and your uncle, say your goodbyes to them, and embark upon your quest. May you have a good journey, and come back with a good song, a song that impresses everyone that listens to it.&

Still sitting, the younger cyno nevertheless enthusiastically raised the spear into the air, and then patted his chest. &The world will soon learn of Oevcn the Brave!&

&I'm sure they will, son. I'm sure they will.&

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Toto - Africa

From  evvonic! Thanks!