Meet some of the people in the village.

Amina On Patrol

The night was still and dark as Amina moved swiftly and silently around the village. This was not her first patrol, but she felt as tense as she did that very first night. She was filled with a feeling of apprehension which heightened her senses. She watched the jungle for any sign of movement and listened closely for any unusual noise. Twice in the last several nights, raiders from another village had attempted to steal supplies which were much needed by both villages. Once, they had attempted to capture villagers to bring back to their own village. Both times the efforts of the raiders were thwarted. Since that time, the patrols of the village were increased and the patrollers were more diligent in their efforts.

Amina could sense a presence. She could see nothing, hear nothing. But she felt it. She raised her spear; she would be ready in an instant, to face whatever lay ahead. Her blood was pounding in her ears as she stood silent and immovable, waiting. Aramoca had felt it too. He was patrolling on the other side of the village but had been drawn to Amina. He silently slid up next to her and pointed amongst the trees. Suddenly, in a small clearing, she saw them, several figures gliding toward the village, silent and swift, but unaware that their movements were detected. The patrollers stood ready, waiting for an opportunity. Soon the group would approach another small clearing just off to their left. Amina nodded to Aramoca and in unison they threw their spears. The spears met their targets and the men cried out in agony and surprise. The others in the raiding party dropped to the ground and and crawled to their fallen warriors as arrows rained down. The retreat was as swift as the attack. Amina and Aramoca drove the raiders to the shore, making sure the village was once again safe.

Mabo'

The sun was shining like gold on the rippling water as Mabo' sat by the small pool. He knew he was supposed to be chasing the birds away from his father's crops but his sister, Yahima, was there watching the fields too and he would only be away for a few minutes. No one would even realize he had snuck away from his post. He poked at a small crab and thought of his older brothers and his father who had left early this morning to fish. Mabo' dreamed of the day he would be old enough to join them, battling the waves and dangers. He was brave, strong, and adventurous but his father had told him he had to wait; he wasn't quite old enough. Surely it wouldn't be long before it was his turn. Every morning as the sun woke, he would walk with the men to the shore. He loved watching the men paddle their way out to sea, following the seagulls, filled with the anticipation of their finding a good catch. The oars stroked the waves in unison and the canoe moved as swift as an arrow across the water. Mabo' would follow the canoe until it was just a speck on the horizon, and later in the day, would run to the shore and greet the men upon their return. He would show them how strong he was as he helped them bring their catch back to the village and would listen with fascination as the men told stories of their adventure. As he was lost in thought, a turtle jumped into the water in front of him and Mabo' realized his need to get back. He had no idea how much time had passed, but had a feeling Yahima would realize he was missing and come looking for him. Mabo' took one last stab at the water and ran back to the fields.