Aline was stuck. Her only way to escape her worries was to retreat to the flow of the river sweeping over rocks. Swinging above her village, made Aline feel safe and happy.
Careful not to touch the gushing water, Aline swung like a monkey on the overhead vinesof the dark, dense forest. Aline was the 15th generation of theKayapo people who lived in the amazon rainforest.Nearing her teenage years, Aline struggled to find her place in their community. Younger children begged her to play; elders told her to be responsible.
Returning from the river, Aline found herself stuck in the bustling flow of builders retreating to the outskirts of the village. Curious, she followed them until she reached their construction site. Wondering what the builders were doing so far away from the town, she was confused and sad that the builders was damaging the native environment.
She went to consult the high elders, only to discover that the civilization was growing beyond expected. Aline had never seen the elders so agitated. They sent Aline into the damp office of elder Xanthene. Aline fiddled and bit her lips as she waited for the leaders to meet her.
They walked in solemnly addressing Aline. “Aline, the time has come. We need you,” Elder Xanthene stated.
The elders briefed Aline on the mission. She was to journey along the river and find significant land for the tribe to expand. It was urgent. Aline was the best person for the job as she recently became old enough to leave the safety of the village and her great-grandfather was the explorer who found their current village so many years ago. “Th thank you,” stammered Aline, surprised by the opportunity.
Aline was due for a good nights sleep.
Beating drums awoke Aline. Jumping up she quickly readied herself. She wondered what they were doing outside but did not stop to contemplate- she had no time!
Bursting out the front door she was met by whole village dancing ceremonially towards the river. Confused, she ran down to board the prepared boat.
The elders stood there, blessed Aline, and motioned for her to set off. She boarded the boat and turned to meet the current. The crowd went wild and ushered her on.
Determined, Aline set off but niggling in the back of her mind she thought about the missing item needed to transport the rest of the tribe to the place she would find. Approaching the first bend in the river the boat hastily rushed along the water. Aline screamed but no one was there to hear her. The waves had grown and pushed her along aggressively.
The river seemed alive. Frightened, Aline held on as the crystal water savagely took her through a small branch off the stream. Gathering herself Aline grabbed for her oar. The wooden vessel slowed flowing along meeting a cave with vines falling over the entrance.
She pushed through to find… an endless plain. The grass stretched on forever. Spotted along the fields there were trees, caves, and animals. Aline smiled gratefully, jumping up and down, she yelled “I found the place.”
Returning through the entrance she flowed back up stream. The crowd had not ceased.
“I found the place to expand but we need the lost sacred staff to transport everyone there.”
Surprised by her quick return they swarmed by the bank. Standing up Aline addressed the crowd.
She was met with cries of joy and stares of despair as they all knew that the staff went missing long ago and many people had tried and failed to recover the item.
Where NextAline is nearing her teenage years and struggles to fit into their community. When she is needed will she step up and succeed in helping their tribe read to find out.