Odyssey From Africa 12c the Fireflower

Chapter 12 (c) The Fireflower (continued) So forthwith it was decided That upon the next day’s dawning They would send a party swiftly Inland by a river valley They would climb to highland forest Guided on by one with knowledge There to find the precious fire-flower And to pick its healing petals On the morrow in the first light Of the dawning they assembled Several of the older children Matto, Lisa in their number Lisa brought her monkey Rosy Kwona and the other ladies Made a simple hearty breakfast To prepare them for the journey So they started with the sunrise Running inland all the morning With a guide to go before them Following the river valley On the bank of that serene and Mighty river that today is Called the Antainambalana Flowing east from central highlands Up and down it boats were sailing On the river, stacked with produce To be traded in the markets Of the settlements and outposts In the region of the harbour. Soon their path led into woodland Where they saw up close the island’s Wondrously distinctive wildlife In among the forest branches They first glimpsed the agile lemurs Heard the soulful plaintive song of Indries as they called and answered Eerie sliding harmonies that Resonated through the forest; Saw the star-like waxy flowers of Orchids in the jungle half-light At some high points on the landscape They caught sight of wood-built watchtowers On each tower a pair of watchmen Waited out a lonely vigil When the morning turned to noontime They ascended from the valley Climbed to higher elevation As the air grew slightly cooler Passing from the humid jungle Of the island’s eastern coastline Up to drier highland forest Where the heat was less oppressive Coming to a jungle clearing Suddenly they all stood rooted To the spot and stared before them At the towering Aepyornis At the giant flightless bird that From the center of the clearing Turned its piercing gaze right at them From a height of three full meters This great bird, though terrifying To confront thus unexpected Did not pose them any danger, Striding now back through the tree-line To resume its midday feast of Fruits, which it plucked whole and swallowed Causing trees to sway and recoil Sharply from their topmost branches Cautiously the group stepped forward Creeping past the Aepyornis To the clearing, whence they saw Ahead a steep ascending ridge line