From Bentari, chapter 14 “A Tribe of Orphans,”—Chief Mankani contemplates the lonely, dire straits of leadership when battle looms. Alone on the savanna, his tribe’s lot consumes him—their history, their future and the prospects for war that menace tomorrow. Suddenly, his demeanor changes rapidly when, “…the gibbous moon shone down upon the joyful greeting between young Bentari and his grandfather.” Despite the doubts of imminent battle, good cheer beats fear aside when the warrior’s grandson emerges onto the plain. Suddenly, light from the humpbacked moon delivers promise.
I chose to set the story on the plains and in the forests when, during the night, a gibbous moon flirts with the actors below. Like a humped stranger cloaked in windblown, ragged coats of clouds, it affords uncertain light and ghost-like shadows.
The chief is planning to manage his out-manned warriors, to mitigate his tribe’s losses against a superior force and to restore peace against all odds. The boy wants to help if he can. Wives and mothers are in the village tending, abiding—hoping.
Their tribe’s history is unique. Over centuries, three separate fortunes, through desperation, generosity and assimilation, have found ways into their possession—and the world at large is unbeknownst—except for the German marauders. The soldiers were after riches from Africa’s reputed wealth. The Third Reich had grown cash poor. But the African patrol had stumbled across the local legend. Myth-like tales whispered of jewels and golden treasures. Even so, the intruders had no idea that immense, incomprehensible fortunes truly did lie within their grasp. The legends were understated.
This is the crux of our adventure. Wars are waged to win land, to gain resources, to accumulate wealth or to impose religion. What are the odds that peace will prevail? What should we be doing with our vast wealth—the mineral and resource riches held within our planet—what are we supposed to do?—instead of killing fellow earthlings.
Shouldn’t we all have “The Right to Live in Peace”?[1]
Image: A gibbous moon[2]
Buy Bentari now or contact me by e-mail at Tim@Bentari.com. Thank you.
[1] https://vimeo.com/150688251 - Victor Jara performs 'El derecho de vivir en paz' —The Right To Live In Peace—Video quality is rough, but the late hero and activist’s memory has just been sweetly served with justice!
[2] http://earthsky.org/moon-phases/waxing-gibbous Tom Stirling in Kennebunk, Maine, calls this photo Sea of Serenity. He caught the waxing gibbous moon from his driveway on June 15, 2016.