Chapter 6 - Planning the future
As they traverse the vast plains, Athan carefully studies the environment. From afar, he watches the herds of grazing animals, their powerful bodies casting long shadows across the land. He notes their movements as they migrate across the open grasslands, their hooves kicking up dust in soft golden plumes. The rhythmic strides of the herd create ripples through the golden sea of swaying grass. He observes smaller creatures—nimble rodents darting between tufts of wild vegetation, their tiny bodies barely visible before vanishing into the safety of burrows. Birds soar overhead, their wings catching the warm currents of air, their sharp cries slicing through the vast openness of the land. A lone predatory bird hovers in the distance, its keen eyes scanning for unsuspecting prey.
The flora fascinates him just as much as the fauna. He notices clusters of hardy plants, their thick roots clinging to the dry earth, thriving despite the harsh conditions. Some plants bear small, edible berries, while others release a fragrant aroma when brushed against. He comes across patches of broad-leafed vegetation, their surfaces glistening with morning dew, and wonders if they could hold water within their stems. Vibrant wildflowers dot the landscape, their delicate petals swaying gently in the wind as if whispering secrets of the land. He mentally catalogs each one, wondering which might be useful for food, medicine, or shelter in the days to come. Every detail fuels his growing understanding of this new land—one that might soon become their home, a place where they can thrive instead of merely survive.
After eight days of arduous travel, they finally stood at the foot of the mountains. The towering peaks loomed ahead, their jagged summits piercing the sky and crowned with wisps of drifting mist. The morning sun cast a golden glow upon the rocky slopes, highlighting the deep crevices and ledges carved by time and weather. Dense forests clung to the base of the mountains, their emerald canopy stretching far, a stark contrast to the open grasslands they had traversed.
To the left, a winding river sparkled under the sunlight, its waters fed by distant glaciers, carving a path through the valley like a silver ribbon. The air was cooler here, carrying the rich scent of damp foliage and blooming orchids. The sound of birds echoed through the trees, mingling with the distant roar of a hidden waterfall cascading down the mountainside.
Looking back, the vast plains stretched endlessly, golden under the midday sun, dotted with the dark silhouettes of grazing herds. The wind whispered through the valley, carrying with it the promise of shelter, safety, and new possibilities. The clan stood in silence for a moment, taking in the breathtaking sight, realizing that their journey had brought them to the threshold of something new, something permanent—a home.
Athan carefully surveys the surroundings, his gaze sweeping over the landscape with a calculating eye. He understands that for the establishment of a village, having a river flowing through its heart would be the most advantageous choice. The presence of fresh water would ensure not only sustenance but also fertile land for future crops and an easily accessible resource for daily needs. Observing the gentle bend of the river winding its way through the valley, he envisions a settlement nestled along its banks, protected by the natural barriers of the mountains and nourished by the life-giving waters.
He steps forward and points toward the distant waterfall, the sound of its rushing waters loud even from where they stood. Mist rose from the cascade, dancing in the air, a sign that the water was strong and steady. Athan turned to the chief, his voice careful but sure. "River good. Falls strong. Water always here."
He glanced at the others, making sure they understood. "We go there. Stay. Rocks protect. Water give life." He gestured toward the cliffs. "Safe. No danger from open land."
The chief studied him, his sharp eyes sweeping over the land. Around them, the clan whispered among themselves, some nodding in agreement. Athan could feel their eyes on him, not just as a child, but as someone whose words mattered. His chest swelled slightly—not with pride, but with the weight of responsibility.
The chief considers his words, his sharp eyes narrowing as he studies the terrain. Around them, members of the clan exchange glances, murmuring in agreement. The idea of a secure and resourceful location appeals to them, though a sense of unease lingers. They have never stayed in one place for more than two days, and the thought of settling feels foreign and uncertain. Yet, as Athan speaks with growing confidence, they begin to see him in a new light—not just as a child with ideas, but as someone who understands survival, someone who might lead them toward a future they had never dared to imagine.
After some time, they arrive near the place where the waterfalls crash against the ground. The roar of the cascading water fills the air, sending fine droplets of mist swirling around them, dampening their skin and hair. As they approach, Athan moves carefully to the edge of the water, his eyes scanning every detail of the terrain. The area is steep, its uneven rock formations shaped by the relentless force of the waterfall. The ground is slick with moisture, and patches of moss cling stubbornly to the stones. The basin, carved slowly over time by the ceaseless current, shimmers under the filtered light of the jungle canopy, an ever-deepening pool of clarity. Too steep for the water to linger in pools, the constant movement prevents stagnation, and its narrow formation ensures no large predator could comfortably claim it as hunting ground.
His sharp eyes sweep over the surroundings, taking in the tangled web of roots that extend into the damp soil, securing the towering trees that lean toward the water. The jungle here is thick, the undergrowth teeming with unseen life. Fallen trunks and broken branches litter the ground, some freshly snapped, others softened by decay, evidence of time and nature's unpredictable fury. Looking upward, Athan studies the jagged cliffs above, where darkened cracks hint at the mountain's slow but inevitable erosion. He imagines the force with which chunks of rock, massive trunks, or entire boulders could tumble from above, smashing into the land below without warning. This place, for all its beauty, is a precarious one.
Realizing the risk, he raises his hand sharply, signaling for the others to stop. His expression hardens as he steps back from the unstable terrain. "No good," he mutters, shaking his head. If they built their village here, the first heavy storm or shifting earth could send a landslide barreling down, wiping away everything they worked for. His thoughts race as he considers alternatives. They need water, but they also need security.
Turning his gaze along the river's curve, he searches for higher, more stable ground—somewhere still near the life-giving water, but protected from the ever-present threat of nature's fury. His heart beats faster, not with fear, but with excitement. He envisions a plateau overlooking the river, where the land is solid, free from the threat of landslides, and where they could build their homes without fear of nature's unpredictable wrath.
The trees here grow taller, their roots deeply embedded in the soil, a sign of stability. Birds flit between the branches, undisturbed by frequent rockfalls, further confirming the area's safety. The sound of the waterfall is softer here, a distant roar rather than an overwhelming presence, allowing for a peaceful environment where they could live and grow.
This land holds the promise of a future, a place where children could run freely, where crops could be planted, and where they could finally stop wandering. But they must choose wisely, for this decision will shape the fate of their people for generations to come.
Turning back to his clan and looking at his father, Athan spoke with conviction. "Here good. Near water. Near mountain. Wood here. Food here," he said, pointing first to the river, then to the dense jungle around them. His gestures were deliberate, emphasizing the abundance of resources—fresh water flowing strong and clean, sturdy trees offering both shelter and tools, and the promise of game hiding within the thick foliage.
He knelt down, pressing his hand into the earth, feeling the dampness beneath his fingers. "Soil good. Can grow food," he added, his simple words carrying weight. The land was fertile, rich with the promise of harvest. He imagined rows of crops swaying in the wind, feeding his people for generations.
He lifted his gaze to the cliffs, their jagged edges softened by the mist rising from the waterfall. "Rocks high. Protect us. No big danger here." His eyes swept over his people, watching as they exchanged glances, uncertainty still lingering in some, but curiosity growing in others.
His heart pounded. "We stay here. Build strong home." His voice, though made up of simple words, carried confidence. He needed them to believe, to see what he saw—a land not just to pass through, but to claim as their own. A future that could begin here.
The chief, observing the surroundings with a critical eye, nodded in agreement. He then turned to Athan and, in their simple language, asked, "What do now?"
Athan straightened, his mind already set on the next steps. "First, we find food—berries, roots, small animals. Hunters go that way, find good meat," he said, pointing toward the edge of the jungle where game trails disappeared into the undergrowth. "Others gather—nuts, fruit, strong plants for making things."
He turned to another group. "Take fallen wood—dry, strong. Even wet wood, we dry. Use for fire, tools. Take big rocks, make a pile—good for walls, good for holding fire."
He knelt down, running his fingers through the tall grass. "This good. We cut, make rope, tie wood. Need strong rope for build home."
As he stood, his gaze moved over the clan, watching their faces. "Now we gather. Work fast. Sun moves, we need safe before dark. After, we build—shelter, fire, place to stay."
His voice was steady, filled with certainty. The task ahead would be challenging, but with everyone working together, their future would begin to take shape. He could see the tension in some, the uncertainty in others—but most of all, he saw readiness. This was the first step toward something greater.
As everyone began gathering materials from the surroundings, Athan directed them on where to place each pile of supplies. He moved through the forming worksite with determination, ensuring everything had a proper place. Women skilled in crafting strong ropes worked swiftly, their hands deftly weaving long strands of grass and fibers into durable bindings.
A group of men, their muscles straining, gathered heavy logs and stones, stacking them into organized piles. Their focus remained on collecting as much as possible before the sun reached its peak. Sweat glistened on their skin as they carried the weight of their labor, their grunts blending with the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Every resource gathered was crucial, and the urgency in their movements reflected the clan's need to prepare for what lay ahead.
Others, preferring the tasks of gathering and hunting, ventured into the forest. They scoured the underbrush for edible roots, nuts, and berries, carefully selecting mushrooms that bore no signs of poison. Hunters moved quietly along game trails, their keen eyes searching for signs of small prey—rabbits, fowl, or anything that could provide sustenance for the group.
Athan approached Lara and gestured to an open space near the center of their camp. "Here. Fire go here." His words were simple but clear. He handed her several stones collected by the others. "Put stones here. Make safe." He demonstrated how to create a circle of stones to contain the fire, ensuring it would not spread beyond control.
With a nod, Lara got to work, carefully positioning the stones. Meanwhile, Athan's eyes scanned the gathering efforts, ensuring that all tasks were proceeding smoothly. Every step, every action brought them closer to transforming this land into their home.
Decideding it was time for him to contribute as well. He carefully selected long, straight branches, ensuring they required minimal modification. With some of the sturdy rope that had already been crafted in the previous weeks, he set to work designing a new type of trap—this time, for fish.
He planted the wooden stakes firmly into the damp soil, forming a cylindrical structure. Using the rope, he meticulously tied the branches together, shaping the frame into something resembling a large woven basket. Hours passed as he refined his creation, testing the flexibility of the wood and ensuring the structure remained intact. Once the main shape was complete, he lined the bottom of the larger section with thick bark to prevent fish from escaping through the base. At the entrance, he carefully placed sharpened twigs, angled inward, allowing fish to swim in but making it nearly impossible for them to leave.
Satisfied with his work, Athan lifted the trap—it was as tall as he was and surprisingly sturdy. Now came the true test: seeing if the trap would catch anything in the small river connected to the waterfall. As he prepared to head toward the water, his father, who had been keeping an eye on him while lifting heavy tree trunks onto a pile, stepped in his path.
The chief's expression was firm, making it clear he did not want Athan near the river. Without hesitation, Athan reached into his pouch and pulled out some leftover meat he had saved from the previous night. Holding it up to his father, he explained in their simple language, "Trap must go in water. Hold it under rocks. Put two, three big stones. Meat inside. Tomorrow, we check."
The chief studied him for a moment before nodding. Taking the trap from Athan, he made his way to the river, doing exactly as his son instructed. Athan watched intently, feeling a swell of pride—not just for his trap, but for the quiet acknowledgment from his father, who, even in his strength and wisdom, had followed his son's guidance.
After finishing his immediate tasks, Athan decided to explore further, walking the perimeter of the camp before heading upriver and into the dense forest. He moved with deliberate steps, his sharp eyes scanning every detail. He tried to commit everything to memory—the hidden paths beneath the thick vegetation, the subtle shifts in the river's current, the footprints left behind by unseen creatures. Every element was a piece of a puzzle, and Athan was determined to understand how they all fit together.
Unbeknownst to him, his father, Wade, followed at a short distance, his watchful gaze never leaving the boy. He had long accepted that he did not fully understand his son's way of thinking. Athan would often stand still for long moments, seemingly lost in thought, his eyes fixed on something unseen. Then, as if a decision had been made in his mind, he would spring into action, constructing new tools, devising new methods—things no one in the clan had ever considered before.
Wade's duty had always been clear: protect the clan, keep them strong, and ensure their survival. He had witnessed Athan's growth, seen the boy's mind working in ways he could not comprehend. He still remembered the moment his son had first created fire—a moment that was burned into his memory, a moment that had changed everything. That was when Wade had realized: this child was different. This child would lead them to something greater.
And so, Wade remained silent, watching his son's every move, following his steps without interference. He no longer questioned Athan's actions. Instead, he observed, knowing deep in his heart that the boy was guiding them toward a future stronger than anything they had ever known.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the valley, Athan made his way back to the camp, his mind still processing everything he had observed throughout the day. The sky burned in hues of deep orange and crimson, fading into the encroaching blue of twilight. A soft breeze carried the scent of damp earth and the lingering aroma of burning wood from the fire that crackled steadily at the heart of the settlement.Arriving at the fire, Athan lowered himself onto the ground, settling into the dirt with a sturdy branch in his hands. He turned it idly between his fingers, his gaze distant as he gathered his thoughts. The quiet murmur of the clan around him was a comforting presence, the rhythmic sounds of their work blending with the chorus of crickets and the distant call of nocturnal creatures awakening in the jungle.
After a long moment, he leaned forward, pressing the tip of the branch into the dirt. Slowly, with careful strokes, he began to draw. First, he traced a long, curved line, marking the mountain's boundary. Then, with deliberate precision, he outlined the waterfall, sketching the winding path of the river as it meandered through the valley. His fingers worked methodically, placing the camp at the heart of the drawing, the fire at its center, surrounded by the features he had committed to memory. Every mark in the earth represented something vital—their surroundings, their resources, their future.
As he worked, the soft rustling of movement caught his attention. One by one, members of the clan gathered around him, forming a quiet circle. They stood or crouched at the edges of the fire's glow, their expressions filled with curiosity and wonder. Some whispered to one another, pointing at the lines he etched into the soil. For many, this was a new way of seeing—an entire world mapped out before them in a way they had never considered.
Athan didn't speak at first, letting them absorb what they were seeing. When the drawing was complete, he sat back and surveyed his work. He had drawn everything as accurately as his memory allowed, each line a representation of their surroundings. He raised his head, looking at the expectant faces around him.
He pointed first to the waterfall. "Here—waterfall," he said simply, dragging his finger along the lines. "There—river." His hand moved over the sketch again. "Camp here. Fire here." His words were short, direct, but filled with meaning.
His father stood nearby, arms crossed over his broad chest, his sharp gaze locked onto the drawing in the dirt. The flickering firelight cast long shadows across his face, making his expression unreadable. But he did not speak, nor did he interrupt. He only watched, his eyes shifting from the map to his son. The gathered materials, the efforts of the clan—everything they had worked for—lay around them, waiting for direction.
Athan exhaled, a small but determined smile forming on his lips. He looked up, meeting his father's gaze.
"Tomorrow, this place will change."
The fire crackled softly, illuminating the faces of his people, their expressions a mixture of uncertainty and anticipation. Athan felt the weight of their expectations settle on his shoulders—but he was ready. The future was waiting, and for the first time, they were no longer wanderers. They were builders of something new.