The Moon Worshippers Read Free Page A

but the child, for whom he had collected the orchid roots, recovered. This gained him grudging respect within the clan.
    His uncle, when he spoke to him, had nothing but harsh words.
    “No animal is worth the life of a man. Not even your worthless life, or the life of a child.” And then it was: “Don’t you realise, idiot, that a wild animal can’t be kept or tamed. What good or use is it?”
    The boy stood there in silence. He had no answers. He knew that his uncle was right, but his heart told him that he felt for this animal. Something, but what was it? Was it that the cub had been helpless and he had felt pity for him, or was it a gift to him from the Gods? And he reflected: was not the wolf cub just like him? An outsider. Disliked by all and feared because it was different. For that reason alone he would keep him and look after him. Yet he had so many questions. Could a wolf be tamed? Could he be trained? Would the wolf accept him as his master or would it someday turn and kill him? Would it run away when it was fully grown? He must find answers, but who would have them?
    Over time, he learnt from the travellers and traders that passed through the village of a strange man in the mountains, who they said lived alone. Rumours circulated that he knew more about animals than anyone, and that he could, it was said, enter the minds of wild beasts. They also said that he preferred animals to people and did not take kindly to strangers. They warned him that he was, apparently, extremely bad tempered. After much thought, Inaki decided that he would seek him out after the snows had cleared.
    The cub grew. It was now six moons since he had found him. It was completely black; so black, that in strong sunlight, his fur looked as if it had a depth of blue colour in it. The eyes were yellow, the head large. It was almost up to the middle of a man’s thigh in height and with a mouth of interlocking white teeth. His most disconcerting trait was to stare at anyone who approached, his head lowered and body erect, as if he was about to pounce. He was feared by everyone except the boy, whose side he never left. No one dared go near the animal. No more the curses or stones from the other boys; no words of anger were spoken in the wolf-dog’s presence. He was his master’s protector. He slept at his side at night and walked at his side by day.
    If voices were raised, the wolf-dog’s lips would curl back over those fearsome teeth and a deep long growl would rise from his throat, full of menace and warning, silencing them all. All at once life was sweet and all gave way to them, be it man or beast. For the first time in his life, he had power and he liked the feel of it. It felt natural to him as if it was in his blood.
    At springtime, Inaki spoke to his mother. “There is a man that I have to see, Mother.”
    “Who might that be, my son?” his mother asked.
    “I do not know his name, but he knows about animals.” His mother thought and then spoke softly to him.
    “There are many here that are wise and know animals. Arturo the hunter for one, and then there is your uncle who not only heals people but animals too.”
    “Yes, Mother,” said the boy, “but they don’t understand my animal. It is to him that I must go and learn about wolves and dogs.”
    “I see,” said his mother with a smile on her face, “and where is this unique man?”
    “About fourteen days south from here, up in the mountains,” said the boy.
    “For a journey like that you will need boots, food for two and a warm cloak, none of which I can provide you with. How will you get them? You have nothing to trade for them.”
    Inaki thought desperately hard.
    “I will work for what I need. We can get work guarding sheep,” Inaki said, looking down at the wolf-dog.
    “Very well,” said the mother, “when you have your boots and cloak, I for my part will provide the food, and then we will talk again.”
    As the boy walked away his mother looked at him. How