What Lies Beneath His Pelt?

CHAPTER 6: AWAKENING

"Ghigau, you must choose. Either you marry or choose to be a healer for our tribe. Your knowledge and skill for both are remarkable," a woman with long dark hair pulled back in a braid mused as she combed the hair of the younger woman. She leaned closer to her ear.

They both wore dresses made from animal hide, moccasins, and necklaces made from beads and shells.

Intricate tribal tattoos adorned the older woman's olive skin while the younger woman's olive skin was smooth and blemish-free.

"See, this is one of the reasons why I despise the coming of age ritual. I have just turned eighteen and marriage is already an option. What if I desire to travel? Or hunt?" The younger woman exclaimed. Her mother sighed as she closed the flap of their wigwam tighter to keep her voice from going out.

"Ghigau. You are the chieftain's daughter. You will lead our tribe in a few years and you must be protected. Only your husband can protect you."

"I can protect myself! If that is the case, the choice is already clear, mother. I would prefer to be a healer than to marry someone I do not love. Although hunting sounds better...if only I could hear clearly,"

"It is not your fault, my dear. In the years that I hunted, I have offended a lot. I knew one of them would punish me, so it is not your fault. For now, I will speak with the Healer to take you as her apprentice."

"Thank you, mother."

By the time they finished, the sun had set. The full moon hovered low in the sky and the bonfire that stood in the middle of the camp was steady.

The Healer-Shaman stood, arms outstretched, shells and beads tinkling as she moved. The crowd hushed and formed a line on either side of the bonfire as the flute played.

Beside her, Chieftain Denali stood, and beside him was his wife, Soyala.

The Chieftain was built like an ox, his hair adorned with eagle feathers, beads, and shells. Every inch of his skin was adorned with tattoos and he wore a well-decorated poncho. He was known for his excellent leadership and proficiency in battle, but the title of being the best hunter belonged to his wife.

The rattles began, loud and strong. Ghigau went out of their wigwam after a few seconds, dressed in a white dress made from the biggest kill they had a few months ago.

Red and yellow beads adorned the front and shells wrapped around her ankles and wrists. As she moved, it shook. Her long black hair was brushed back and adorned with beads and feathers. She looked confident.

Drums joined the cacophony of flutes and rattles. She watched the movement of their hands. As it hit the drum, she moved one foot forward.

When she approached the beginning of the line, their tribespeople sat on their knees. The Shaman raised both of her hands into the air and she chanted in a low voice. The syllables of the words she spoke were in beat with the drum.

"On this day, Ghigau, the only daughter of Chieftain Denali and Hunter Soyala, the heir of our tribe and a remarkable healer, has come of age. Present yourself to the Great Mother."

The sounds stopped as Ghigau stood in the middle of the camp and knelt with her forehead touching the ground. The drum continued, low and slow, and with every hit, Ghigau rose.

When she stood, her pose resembled that of a bird preparing for flight. Her arms curved above her head, her elbows and wrists bent outward, palms out and hands curved as well. Her hips leaned to one side and one leg was in front of the other. In this position, her curves were noticeable and one particular warrior had his sights on her.

Nayati was from their sister tribe that merged with her tribe a few months ago after foreigners took over their land and displaced them. He was what every warrior would aspire to be: strong, intelligent, caring, and handsome. There were rumors that if Ghigau refused to be their Chieftain, then he would replace her. It was because of that premise that he and Ghigau were good friends.

He was everything she would need. The only problem was that he was timid when he was around her.

The beat of the drum picked up the pace and they watched as she danced with grace but at the same time aggressiveness. The dance lasted for two minutes and when she finished, the full moon was already above the trees.

The tinkling of shells echoed around the forest as they cheered. The Shaman raised her hand once again to quiet them down.

"Great Mother, your daughter has presented herself to you. We ask for your blessing-" before the Shaman could continue, the wind howled. The fire grew larger and brighter.

"She is pleased. I call upon you, Ghigau, to come near the fire and choose. If you wish to marry, throw in the rice grains and your parents will decide on your betrothed. If you wish to serve the Great Mother, throw in the feather and the salt, and pledge yourself to her." The Shaman's strong but grave voice came.

Ghigau bowed before approaching the fire. The Shaman came to her side holding two scallop shells in either hand and presented them to her. One shell was filled with rice grains and the other was filled with salt.

"The feather you will throw shall come from you." The Shaman announced, and she nodded.

As she was about to grab a handful of salt, a loud howl echoed around the camp and before anyone could react, a figure burst out from the forest.

It was as tall as their totem pole and built like a wigwam-strong and huge.

It had the torso and legs of a human but its head was that of a wolf with antlers. Its nails were sharp and long. Its arms were muscular but definitely human. Instead of human feet, though, the creature had bear paws.

The hunters readied their weapons but before they could move, it grabbed Ghigau by her waist and slung her on its massive back like a mere sack.

It began to run back to the forest but arrows and spears followed after it. One arrow got lucky and it hit the back of its knee. Momentarily distracted, Ghigau grabbed the cinquedea she had strapped to her leg and drove it to the injured knee.

The creature howled in pain as she drove it again and twisted the handle. The creature released her and she managed to retrieve her cinquedea.

It growled, loud and whole as it attempted to tackle her. She grabbed its antlers and used them to swing herself on its massive shoulder.

She then drove the cinquedea to the creature's shoulder. She buried it until the hilt and quickly pulled it out. Blood squirted and as she was about to hit the creature again, it bucked. She fell from it.

Her back slammed against a tree. As pain exploded behind her head, she saw the creature grin.

"This isn't over, my dear bride. I will have you soon." A low voice echoed around her head. Its words ended with a growl.

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Thank you so much for the support and patience! You can see chapter arts from the story on my i********:, artbyellysse, or my Deviantart, reza-delavega. Do not forget to leave a comment if you want!