A meeting was called by the elders of the tribe and they gathered in a circle to talk about the fire spirit. Otundie held the talking stick which would be passed around the circle so each person would have their say, then when the stick returned to Otundie he would make his final comments. A solution would be presented by the chief and a yah or nay count would be called for.
The first elder said that no one should be allowed to have power over such a spirit, if it got loose it could burn down every tree and bush on the mountain where they lived, and they would have no food to eat, or materials to build their homes out of. He thought something evil had happend on that day, and that Otundie should cast the fire sticks off the edge of the mountain cliff, and be done with such danger.
The first speaker was an important member of the elders and so many others agreed with him in that matter and Otundie knew he was in trouble so he had to say something to ease their doubts.
When the talking stick returned to him Otundie started to speak and the words seemed to just come to his mouth as he made his plea.
The thunder beings have spoken and mother cloud has sent us a gift that we should not reject, a gift that must be used wisely, and so I wish to find out why this gift was sent to us, I know of a cave where no bushes or trees would be endangered by the fire spirit, for it would be safe inside the rock cave. I ask permission to go to this cave with my sticks and to find out the purpose of this gift I was given. Otherwise I fear Mother Earth would be unhappy with us if we reject the gift.
As if on cue a small earthquake occured as Otundie finished his speech to the elders, the elders looked at each other with uncertian expressions.
The chief then gave Otundie permission to use the fire sticks inside the cave where it would be safe, but no where else.
... next: the first campfire..to be continued....
