Echoes From a Distant Land Read Online Free PDF Page A

to cover their fronts. More beads decorated their hair, and beaded necklaces and flowers hung between their breasts. Their bright eyes sparkled in the firelight and many hid shy smiles behind their cupped hands, for they would soon take to the circle and dance with their chosen one.
    Wangira stood tallest among his brothers. His height was exaggerated by his towering black and white monkey-fur headdress, which was trimmed with red, white and yellow beadwork. His short calf-hide skirt revealed most of his long muscular thighs and the monkey-fur leggings, tied beneath his knees, flounced and danced with his every step. Beaded leather bandoleers crossed his chest and more beads hung from his neck. He had taken care with his hair, ensuring it was untangled and springy. The intricate white-ochre designs decorating his torso were finely drawn.
    The pace of the drums increased, and with high kicks and exaggerated movements, Wangira demonstrated his physical abilities. Soon his body was running with perspiration. It glistened in the firelight.
    As Wangira danced, he kept his eyes on the several girls he had selected as his favourites, any one of whom he would have been happy to have with him later in the night. It was considered a good strategy to gain the attention of as many of the young women aspossible, yet there was one in particular he wanted more than anyone, but he knew she would be very popular with her long legs, her beautifully shaped breasts and appealing eyes.
    The music changed, which was a signal for the young women to join their intended sweethearts. The more self-assured among the women edged towards their favourite warrior. Wangira was soon dancing with three, but Mothoni, the one he wanted most, was not among them. He found her at the edge of the circle, dancing with two young warriors. He kept his eye on her, and although he didn’t see her look towards him, he thought she had him in her mind.
    The music changed again, and this time it was the gothombacana — signalling that all dance partners must change. It was meant to ensure the less popular warriors had a chance to charm a girlfriend.
    Before Wangira could make a move, another of his age-mates had moved to Mothoni. Wangira wanted to have her to himself and so he bided his time, dancing with several others until again the gothombacana began.
    Wangira seized his opportunity. He slipped among the dancers and placed himself in front of the beautiful Mothoni. Her smile flashed in the firelight and a flock of birds fluttered in Wangira’s chest.
    Now he threw himself into the dance. His long hair bounced as he leaped and twisted, letting the drums carry him into a trancelike state, until he almost collapsed with exhaustion. Mothoni clung to his arm, and he led her from the dancers, from the drums and from the firelight to the surrounding darkness of the forest.
    As soon as they were secured by the darkness, Wangira turned to Mothoni.
    â€˜Wangira, no,’ she said, pushing his hand away from her protective skirt. ‘You know it is forbidden to do those things.’
    Mothoni was right: he did know it was forbidden to follow the raw urges of his body, but when he’d made his pledge in front of the elders, he had no idea it would be so hard to restrain himself.
    â€˜We must go to the thingira hut with the others,’ she insisted.
    But when they arrived at the bachelor’s hut there were already six young men there including Johnstone Kamau, and four girls. Wangira inwardly groaned. Since there were fewer girls than boys,he would be unable to immediately take Mothoni to one of the bed spaces. He ached for her, but had no choice but to await the time when the girls would choose their partner for the night. It was considered very poor manners to be possessive, and the girls were encouraged to show compassion towards the less fortunate boys who were unable to attract a partner of their own. The other four girls were appealing enough, but