The Initiation

It had come, at last, today was the day you see, it was full moon and that meant it was time for the initiation ceremony over the next week Mambo would complete tasks Then he would become a man able to join hunts to eventually take a wife and start a family so much rested on these tasks that he fretted he knew as the chief's son they would be hazardous He had done his bathing and time of reflection now he sat waiting for the elders to fetch him dressed in his finest ceremony skins, weapons ready he stood proud and tall as he followed them He was taken to the heart of the circle the witch doctor did a dance around him then the elders spoke to him giving tasks the first said "I live where the sun rises, Look to the east as the sun rises to find me" a bit puzzled he sent of to the east settling down for the night weapons close he was awake before dawn he turned east As the sun and shadows receded it came into view an old tower long since abandoned left to crumble when he approached an old man came out of a hut "You must be Mambo he" said. "Your task here a snake" It is a female monster who is scaring my people catch it and take it with you for your next task he set up bait to tempt it close. Patiently he waited as it slithered into view he played his wood pipe. Hypnotised by the music he loaded it into a cart returning to the elder he asked what to do next you must head towards the setting sun. There is a lake. In the lake an island release the snake there alive. The journey long and hazardous as he pulled the heavy cart after many miles of fighting of predators he arrived and waded with great difficulty to the lakes island once there he released the snake scared by the tremors The snake shot up the hill and entered a cave now the reason for the tremors became apparent this was the mighty evil fire dragon's lair in clouds of fire and smoke they fought At last after a battle most royal the snake won beneath where he had laid there was a note it was from his father saying well done son You have one more task travel now northwards When you reach the shores of the red lake look for an object that lives in water and on land when you find the one with the cross of purple bring it here to me. Puzzled to the meaning of it Mambo set off. It was a 5 day journey with wonders scattered on the way. Vegetation and animals that he had never seen before. Strange looking people that never came close fleeing when they saw him. At the red lake Mambo searched and searched he tried to work out the riddle with no luck giving up at dark he settled for the night in the early rays of dawn he felt a nip There was a cheeky crab trying to snack on his toe it dawned on him suddenly, a crab, it was a crab lives both in water and on the land now to find it walking quietly around the lake he spotted a heap There on the top was an enormous crab purple cross on its back. He wrestled with it, at last getting it bound. Now safe from its claws he loaded it into the cart making his way back to his village strong and so proud He arrived to be feted and the witch doctor danced singing of his achievements and proclaiming that Mambo was a man now to take up his role on the council There was much feasting and merry making to welcome him As time went on in its in veritable way so came the time for Mambo to rule He had learned well from his wise father and reigned well respected for many years