It seemed that no sooner had Jake closed his eyes, than he was awakened by commotion in the building. The sun was coming up and the tribe’s people were ready to go about their day. Jake tried to keep sleeping despite the aches in his back but he didn’t have much opportunity. Suts and Ats were standing over him ready to leave.
After being given the opportunity to eat a little more fish, the trio was on their way through the forest. They reached Ming before noon and Jake explained what he had found. Suts motioned to Ming that he and Ats were going to help him along as they returned to the tribe’s buildings.
Ming’s slow hobbling meant that they didn’t get back to the camp until just before sundown. Jake was slower too since he had to carry all their supplies. Suts carefully tended to Ming and provided him a cup of steaming warm broth. Hunger pangs were going through Jake as well and he ate some of the leftover berries that had.
In the morning, Jake went over and chatted with Ming. He was hoping that Ming would have some insight into what they should do. Ming merely told him that they would just have to stay put and see what Klemtu recommended. It didn’t take long to find out what that was. Klemtu came in and told them that they should stay put and enjoy the tribe’s hospitality while Ming recovered.
The tribe was very hospitable. Since Jake’s suit had not held up well, they provided him with leather breech cloths and leggings to keep him warm. They ate a great deal of salmon which was very tasty. They also ate herbs gathered from the forest as well as what berries were left from the summer harvest.
Hours rolled into days which rolled into weeks. Ming suggested that Jake help out where he could and he did. Jake learned how the tribe fished, hunted and did wood working. He hiked and enjoyed the fresh mountain air.
