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{I beg your pardon but, since when did I swear my undying loyalty to you Cheiftess. Last time I checked I'm a free person and I didn't have to run my decisions by anyone. Now I trust you can find the door if not I'll find it for you.} He barked. Andorra's anger really boiled over this time and she decided to express it. She stormed over to him, grabbed his shoulder then punched him right in the jaw.

The sudden strike actually sent him back several steps and left a huge red mark on his cheek. Kenneth was shocked, never before in his life has anyone ever struck him like that. Before he even had a chance to recover Andorra's arms lashed out and grabbed him. For a five foot, nine inch tall cougar bengal fox mix she was strong. She pulled him back onto his feet and looked deep into his eyes.

{You spoiled male do you honestly think you're the only person on this spit of land with problems. I've got news for you...you're not, try being my bloody paws for a week. Look perhaps there's a way we can come to some sort of understanding. If you're willing to lay all your problems on the table and listen to the ones I've got.} She said. As she cooled off enough she let Kenneth go and sat down on a chair.

Kenneth stood there for a moment allowing his brain to go through all his available options. Sure enough he decided it was best to sit down and put everything on the table. Figuring he had nothing really to lose but, he did have a lot to gain. Considering he spent twenty years of his life scratching around making a living. One stormy night it was all washed away and now he had a second chance.

It just seemed too good to be true hence, why he isolated himself from everyone out of fear. He worried that if he opened up to the villagers, he'd wake up in some sort of hospital. Over time he slowly began to realize that what was going on wasn't a dream. Andorra had come here of her own free will and literally punched some sense into him. So to avoid getting his head kicked in he listened to her.

By the time everything was said and done the sun had set almost in the sky. Kenneth knew most of the island's predators came out around this time of evening. So traveling through the forest would be a very unwise decision even if you're with someone. {Andorra, I would like you to remain here until morning since it's dangerous to travel now. Even if I were to go with you the predators in this area would be a problem.} He pointed out.

{Alright, just so you know the hunters will come searching for me at first light. I sorta took off without informing anyone that I was leaving the village.} Andorra admitted. Kenneth's face lost all expression for a good while before it rebooted. The only thing he could do in response was slap himself in the forehead. Before he finally found the right words to say in regards to her statement.

{You do realize this is going to cause sheer chaos with everyone in the village.} He remarked rolling his eyes. Andorra looked away as her ears flattened as she foresaw tomorrow's problems. He decided to deal with it when it happens then he made a bed for her to sleep on. Afterwards he closed and secured the door to his hut. Before he tossed a few slow burning logs into the fire pit.

Back at the village Joura was handling things rather will despite Andorra being gone. She had a feeling she'd run off and confront Kenneth given the message Imaya passed along. So she made sure Imaya left at first light to escort their wayward Chief back home. In the meantime Joura would keep things in order until Andorra returns. Everyone in the village slowly settled down for the night and went to sleep.

An hour before the tropical sun rose in the sky Kenneth awoke and as he sat up bed. He suddenly felt that he wasn't alone in his bed so he looked down. Only to see Andorra huddled warmly by his side, she must have crawled in with him as he slept. Not wanting to disturb her he slipped out of bed, from there opened his hut door. Walking outside to listen to things going on in the forest.

Silence was all that could be heard besides the waves crashing against the beach in the distance. As he walked to his small storage box to grab some dried meat and fruit. The sound of a snapping branch drew his attention back to the woods. Swiftly grabbing his spear, hunting knife then he readied himself for the threat. When Imaya, Jiy and Sedona emerged from the woods and approached him.

{Morning ladies, she's inside sleeping like a rock.} He replied walking back to his storage box. Imaya followed him while the others went inside the hut to wake Andorra. {Is there something you wish to get off your chest Imaya?} He wondered looking over his shoulder. She didn't say anything right away but, she did point at his bruise. {Oh, this let's just say she punched some sense into me.} He replied.

{Andorra did that, wow and here I thought she'd gone soft after assuming the throne. I'm actually impressed though you probably deserved it, Kenneth.} Imaya stated clearly surprised. Kenneth laughed at the fact she was right about him deserving it. Before they could continue their conversation Andorra came walking over. {Good morning, Cheiftess I trust you slept well?} Imaya replied with a bow.

{Would've been better if he stayed in bed with me.} Andorra replied with a smirk. Everyone snapped their heads directly at him before Andorra clarified things. Telling them that nothing intimate happened between them, she wanted to sleep beside him. That seemed to settle their overactive minds for the most part. Before anything else was said or done Andorra walked closer towards Kenneth.

{Kenneth, I trust you'll come back to the village with us. Perhaps a proper welcome into my tribe will make the emptiness you've been feeling go away. I'll give you three days to think it over and I want you to tell me in person yes or no. For now you take care of yourself and I'll see you in exactly three days time.} Andorra informed. Kenneth nodded saying he understood as Andorra and the others left the area.

A while after they left Kenneth wondered just what Andorra meant by a proper welcome. Maybe she was right ever since his arrival on the island he didn't feel at home. Despite being highly thought of at the village it still didn't fell like he belonged. Now he has an opportunity to finally have something worth holding onto. Perhaps even a chance to have someone to share his heart and soul with.

Andorra, Joura and Imaya each are wonderful women in their own unique way. Though Andorra seemed to stand out a lot more than the other two, but there's a price. Should he decide to pursue her, once he makes up his mind about her offer. Meanwhile as Andorra, Imaya and the other hunters continued their way to the village. Imaya was unsure about what Andorra offered Kenneth but, she knew better than to ask.

{I can tell something is on your mind, Imaya please share with me instead of staying quiet. You and Joura always mind your tongues when ever I make a strange choice. I can assure you this one is for the benefit of everyone in the village. Kenneth has been a strong ray of hope for all of us and not something we want to lose. So by allowing him to take a rite of passage he'll truly be one of the tribe.} Andorra stated.

{What I don't understand is why did he leave without saying anything to us?} Imaya wondered. Andorra simply shot her a look as to say the answer you seek is right there. By the time she figured it out they returned just as Joura went running by. Not wanting to waste anymore time Andorra resumed her job as Cheiftess. She stopped Joura and took over the situation that popped up.

Three days and nights passed Kenneth grabbed his gear before venturing towards the village. An hour later he reached the village gates where the guards greeted him. From there he made his way into the village though he didn't get far. Most of young women ran over to welcome him with hugs and gifts. Getting to Andorra's hut proved tough as the remaining villagers rushed over to greet him.

Andorra over heard the commotion going on outside her hut and went to investigate. When she saw Kenneth surrounded by everyone in the village excited her. {Girls, could you please let him go we have a lot to talk about inside my hut.} Andorra said as they dispersed. From there Kenneth and her walked inside her hut then sat down. Taking a moment to welcome him inside her home before talking business.

"So have you come to a decision, Kenneth?" Andorra wondered using English instead of her native tongue. Though her accent was thick but, he could still understand her. "Yes, I'll do it but, I need to know before I start anything. What exactly will I be required to do, before I'm truly one of the tribe?" He replied. Andorra's expression went from concerned to relieved that he was willing to join the tribe.

{There are many test and trials one must take before one is truly accepted. Those consist of a spirit journey, a test of wisdom, and a trial by water. Take head each test will push you to the very breaking point of your senses. So I have to ask are you sure about this there's no shame in backing out.} Andorra informed. Kenneth didn't react but, gave her I'll do what it takes look which she accepted.

{Very well I shall have the villagers make the necessary preparations for you. Now please wait here until I return understand.} Andorra instructed getting up from her seat. She left her hut a moment later while he waited patiently for her to return. Time seemed to slowly pass as he waited for Andorra to return from her errands. As he waited he decided to look around her home to help pass the time.

By the time she did return Kenneth was admiring something on the far wall. {That, staff has belonged to my family for many generations and every chief to assume the throne. This staff is merely a symbol of their title, it's not meant for combat. As for your rite of passage they'll begin tomorrow at sunrise so prepare yourself, Kenneth.} She informed as he turned around to face her.

{Sounds, like I'm going to be in for quite a rough road.} He replied sounding unsure. Andorra placed her hands on his shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. He smiled back before taking his leave say he'd be back before first light. Before he could leave Andorra stopped him, as looked at her. {Sadly, you can't leave the village until your trials actually begin sorry Kenneth.} Andorra pointed out.

{See if anyone in the village would be willing to let you spend the night.} She stated. With that she finally allowed him to leave her hut, so he could ask around. Sure enough Imaya said he could stay with her for the night until his trials started. In the meantime he did his best to find things around the village to occupy himself. By the time the sun finally set in the sky Kenneth had been pacing around for hours.

He made his way over to Imaya's hut for dinner and to spend the night there. The two talked a great deal during dinner before Imaya decided to call it a night. Since she had to be up early to go on a hunt for everyone in the village. Kenneth stayed up a bit longer before he began nodding off where he stood. So he went over to the bed Imaya made, then laid down and fell asleep shortly after.

During the course of the night Kenneth found it rather hard to stay asleep. After the sixth time he simply decided to remain awake until sunrise out of frustration. Apparently he was worried about these trials after all but, the question was why. The answers to his questions wouldn't be enough to prepare him for what was to come. When the sun began to rise in the sky he made his way towards the village center.

Andorra, Joura, Imaya and the other villagers slowly approached him then gathered around. {Kenneth please raise your arms out to the sides and spread your legs also. Joura, Imaya kindly remove his current garments from his being. Luria, Mehta and Arnica make him more presentable according to tribal customs.} Andorra instructed. The women did exactly as she had instructed by removing his clothes first.

Followed by dressing him in tribal clothing which didn't amount to much bodily coverage. What amazed him was there was no giggling as his manhood was exposed for everyone to see. It didn't take them very long to paint special markings on his arms, legs, neck and face. Andorra dismissed them for the moment, as Joura spoke in an unknown language. Some of the words she used he understood them by their tone.

When she finished Imaya approached then handed him a spear and knife. The rest of the villagers stood in a line leading towards the village entrance. {Go, Kenneth walk to the center of the island and follow the river until you reach the waterfall. From there you must allow the spirits of the land, sky and water to speak to your soul. Sadly that's all the information I'm allowed to grant you.} Andorra stated.

Kenneth nodded then turned and trotted towards the woods weapons in hand. As he ventured deeper into the island, looking for the river that would guide him to the waterfall. Several hours went by and he found the river around noontime though following it proved tricky. Luckily enough he found a smooth stretch of land made up for lost time. With the sun beginning to set he needed to make camp due to certain dangers.

He walked around for a while looking for a safe place to camp for the night. A short time later he came upon a small grove of trees that looked stable enough. So he climbed up each of the six trees to see which ones would support his weight. Luckily two of them would do just nicely so, he set to work making a hammock. This took him roughly an hour and when he finished the sun had finally set.

Before climbing up he set up a few trip wires that would alert him to any danger. Should an unfriendly predator that might pick up on his scent and after an easy meal. Once he felt secure he climbed up to his hammock and laid down. He feel asleep a short time later though he kept himself partially awake for signs of danger. During the night everything was quiet as the sun began to rise into the sky.

Snapping awake Kenneth instantly checked his surroundings before even climbing down. When nothing seemed or felt out of place he dropped down and packed his stuff. From there he continued to follow the river towards the island's center. The further he went the river's current stayed steady and peaceful. Until a soft crashing like noise could be heard off in the distance.

This told him that the waterfall was finally within reach and was getting closer. So he picked up the pace from a strong walk to a steady jog hoping to cover more ground. The louder the noise got the thicker the brush and vines got. Pulling his knife out he began cutting a small path through the dense foliage. What bothered him was the fact that he hadn't come across any predators.

Normally there's one or two floating around or at least can be heard close by. Sadly not a single one that weighed heavily on his mind, unless he was being tracked. He carved a path towards the river and once there still no predators in sight. As he took a good hard look around he noticed something he didn't see before. Strange symbols carved into the trunks of quite a few trees.

"Ah, those markings must mimic some animal's nature defensive markings. So that's why there aren't any predators around, these markings must scare them off. At least the waterfall, Andorra mentioned isn't too far away now. I should be there hopefully later this afternoon if I keep going at this pace." He mumbled to himself. With that he trekked on staying as close to the river bank as possible.

Four hours later Kenneth finally arrived at the waterfall then came the fun part. Finding a safe and secure way down to the bottom without killing himself in the process. So he took a while to look around for any and all possible routes. After taking a good while with little luck he had no choice but, to climb straight down. The next he did was fashion himself some rope using what was around him.

Harvesting some thick sturdy vines, sliced them open, then split them apart and twisted them together. Tying off the ends firmly with some twine from his hammock. Before climbing down the cliff he tested the vine rope to make sure it would hold up. After an hour to double and triple check the ropes before he prepared to climb down. Saying a quick prayer he slowly began to descend the cliff face.

The entire way down he stopped often to check the ropes for any problems. As he finally reached the bottom he secured the ropes for a possible return trip. He took some time to rest and relax after a tense descent down the cliff. Once his strength and sanity returned he trotted over to the waterfall to bask in its glory. Now the question he was left with was how to speak with the spirits of the island.

To be Continued.