Page:Daany Beédxe.djvu/240

 When the Jaguars began to get closer again, because they had realized the trick, their roar was more threatening and fierce. Night Eagle knew that he did not have more time, the felines were about to attack, when the long-awaited jungle clearing appeared.

On one side were a small hill and a cave. The warrior upon seeing the clear ran to hide in the small cavity. To his fortune, he found dry trunks and branches, and immediately started making a bonfire. With skill and speed, he rubbed two pieces of wood with a small bow, from his backpack.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, walked around the mouth of the cave and did not dare entering; only heard their snorting and grunts. When flames sprouted, the felines withdrew silently.

The next morning, the warrior again started his way; he had been very austere with water and ground corn, so he had enough to last for the remaining five days.

He continued with the same determination as in the beginning, walking west. Before noon, arrived at a very cool place with ample shades provided by large and leafy Ceiba trees called Xmabén, he heard a sweet female voice, singing a melodious song. He slowly got closer and discovered a girl, who was collecting plants. He had never seen such a beautiful woman.

Mysteriously his heart began to beat with great strength and felt he could not breathe. The girl sang and talked to the plants. Suddenly, she turned and discovered Night Eagle, who stood immobile. She ran to hide and after a few moments the warrior reacted. He apologized and told her that she should not fear, that his intentions were not to scare her and that he would immediately leave. The young girl remained quiet and when Night Eagle turned around to leave in the same direction he had arrived, the girl called him. She explained that she was not accustomed to seeing anyone in