The Invisible Whisper
A Warning Message

The recently discovered settlement is located right in the stream, but somewhat inland and smaller than our settlement. Perhaps that is why this settlement was not seen on previous trips.

The question arises, "Should we make contact or avoid this dispute?

After a few nights of meeting, it was decided that it would be better if we found them first, provided we did not tell them where we settled.

The fear of the Sea Demons, those evil people, was still haunting even after several generations. The elderly in particular do not like our plans, but they also understand that in this world it is better to find than to be found.

In the following years we found several more settlements, all of which were much smaller than our settlements and focused solely on their own survival. There was even a trade between us and a number of surrounding communities.

Years of hard work turned this once impassable valley into an ecological wonder. Gradually, highlands were created where rice was grown. Irrigation of land is done by installing dams in the part of the fast-flowing river that floods the plains.

The valley that had been filled with trees was now mostly flat. The timber is used for housing, storage, and equipment. The resulting plains are partly used for livestock farming. Livestock derived from animals brought home long ago and obtained through trade. The amount is not much, but it is enough to give us skin, cheese, and sometimes meat.

The rest of the plains are used to grow vegetables, fruits, and spices. Especially in this last part is the strength of our tribe. Both men and women are very familiar with scented plants and drugs.

From generation to generation this teaching evolved. Therefore, our knowledge of health and healing is highly valued. We are a tribe ready to fight the ever-stalking disease and insurmountable death.

All of this happened long before my time, but knowing where our people came from is important. It shows where our roots are. And unlike the tribes of the region, which were more concerned with survival, knowledge was seen as the highest good in our tribal society. This allowed us to survive but also to grow as a tribe, fight disease and make calculated choices.

I'm silent, how often do I tell this story? Some of these children must have heard it at least twice before, and still they remained silent.

I don't mind telling this story over and over again. My people must not forget that the peace we feel today is not without struggle. My students need to understand that the harmony we strive for in everything is not seen as a priority by everyone.

After all these stories contain the essence, ideas, and wisdom of the ancestors, which are the basis of our current existence.

I disperse the disciples and go down to the river. I passed through the plains where the older boys were observing the herds of herds. Thick reeds grew along the banks of the river, blocking the view to the water. Soon I will reach the place where I used to meditate.

Arriving there I waded through the water towards a large flat stone located just outside the river bank. I spread out the tapestry cloth I carried and placed myself in the middle.

Surrounded by the swiftness of the water, where the flocks of passing fish glittered in the sun, I found inner peace.

I tilt my head and thank the gods, nature, and the elements for this beautiful day at the end of this summer. I slowed my breath and felt the wind caress my skin. The river started to whisper and a fiery red dragon emerged from the water, its head bigger than my body. The big black eyes stared intently into my eyes and the scales glittered like thousands of rubies exposed to the sun.

I took my hand off my knee and folded it over my chest. I leaned forward and greeted him. With her big, shiny eyes looking into my eyes, she showed me an approaching threat. The black sphere started burning and when the fire was extinguished, the image became very clear.

Ice, wind, snow; very cold winters, but that's not all. There was a scent of danger in his gaze, something that had yet to be seen. I feel a threat more deadly than the forces of nature.

As winter passed, I saw flames, burning huts, and the cries of children. The black shadow, clinging to a high-legged creature, rampaged like a ruthless destroyer piercing through the fleeing crowd. If possible, they separate the head from the torso and arms from the body. Men or women make no difference, I even see bloody children.

The image of the barracks burning and the bloody body fading into the background, the screams died down as I tried to see the shapes around me.

Nonetheless, I feel this concerns our tribe, this is a warning and not a coincidence. Because I was too busy tracing what I saw, the images faded, until I came face to face with the dragon once more. He bent his neck and placed his head near my feet on the edge of a large rock.

I crossed my legs and in one smooth motion, I took a kneeling position, then bent forward until my forehead touched the rug. I held this pose for a few seconds. The moment I appeared, I saw the last scales disappear into the water without leaving a single ripple.