The elder shaman moved ably up the familiar path to his place of Seeing. Rumors of his great mental powers were never quite certain on details; but it is known that he had the gift of Sight, seeing the future... and sometimes, the past.



The oldest structures on the isle are several houses near the highest hill, and a tower atop the peak.  Once a lighthouse, the tower is now used by the village shaman as a place of Seeing.

Following behind the Shaman, leaning on his cane to favor his crippled leg, Chief Elder Sakai made his way behind Udo.  And trailing him, the assorted few he'd chosen... or asked... for assistance, over the protests of at least half the council of elders.

None of the characters, save Stylus, had ever ascended this high on the hill.  And at last, Udo stopped before his tower, and turned to regard them all.  With a gesture, he ignited a brazier that sent warm red light spilling across the darkened area.  The village below seemed small, somehow, and distant.

Udo spoke without preamble.

"I have seen into your hearts and find you all worthy," he announced.  "Whether you find yourself so, is up to you."

"What we are to ask has not been attempted in a generation.  But there is more to the growing famine than you know.  And more to this Isle."

He sat back against a rock, regarding them all with dark eyes, the reflection of the brazier's flame dancing along them.

"You must not do this thing if you are unwilling.  If you are unwilling, and go only through pressure, you will fail."

"But if something is not done, life on the Far Lone Isle will end within the year."

The threat of extinction got Mawr's attention.

For Freddie, it's not a choice at all, the Island had been good to his people as far back as the stories go, always  a simple life with hard work, but still, it could have been alot worse..

"Whatever I can do to help..I will"

His voice determined and yet a little nervous..

Stylus stood nearby, uncertain if he was meant to be taking notes or something ... as he often did when his Master spoke, or viewed into 'the mists'.

He wondered which of those that Udo had brought up here would accept that challenge, when one at least did so immediately.
Stylus quickly sought pen and paper from his sachal, for he was sure he ought to be recording these events for Master Udo.

He hoped the others would accept, and help Coopersmith ... because, while Stylus cared for the island and its denizens, it also struck him that if everyone were to die, who would look after the book??

Abbi had climbed the hill along with the others, staying close to Desi.  She stayed and listened as men that were considered almost gods spoke.  But as things were layed out and presented, she cringed. She looked to Desi, her eyes wide.

Sir, I am but a simple bear, with simple needs, but when the call for help comes, so do I.  I will aid in whatever way I can in accomplishing whatever task you feel might save this island from impending doom.  I cannot speak for all of us, but those I know here have a sense of community that will embolden us to step forward and face whatever challenge is set before us.  Much as lifting the walrus was nearly impossible, it becomes possible when you put your all into it and properly use the strengths inside one's self. 

Nic simply stepped forward to stand next to Mawr, drawing a (visible) arrow and knocking it loosely to his (invisible) bow, not speaking.

On the one hand, the possibility of failing, perhaps even dying, in a quest to save the island felt like a welcome path to rest and release, to finally be proven as unworthy as his mother always claimed.

On the other hand, he could not abandon his sweet puppy to whatever fate would befall the island through such a failure. He would live and choose and be worthy, if only for his Spot.

The dog in question, meanwhile, walked in a thrice-circle around Nic's legs before lying down on his feet. He looked up at Master Odu and barked his eager excitement.

At first, Kaden started to panic, thinking he really wasn't meant to be here. But the Shaman was speaking to him as much as anyone in the gathering, and he took the words in. He nodded in response, "Of course, sir. I'm always happy to help. I always do my part! That's what Dad taught me." At the same time, he got the feeling that this time 'helping' was going to be a bit more involved than hauling in fish or hunting some predator/pests harassing the village.