Sacred Elements Book 1 Crim Tälias FIRE

The nomadic people of Fire

Chapter 1

The events of the past will shape the actions that we make in our immediate future. This is an idea that applies to one and all.

"My name is Tsuga, (sue-ga) I have been given the privilege and honor of illustrating the pride, determination, and beauty of Crim Tälias. (krim-tal-ee-az)" The white haired speaker had startling clear blue eyes and a crisp smile. A button nose and hard lines on his almond colored skin. He had a pock marked face that gave him a weathered and wise look much like a vagabond. His appearance gave rise to hundreds of story, thus it was fitting that he become a story teller.

"Cough, cough." Tsuga coughed twice to clear his windpipe before he continued speaking."The first thing each of you need to do is open your hearts and spirits to better understand the fire tribes enchanted history." His voice was hypnotizing buzz to it and his expression was magnanimous as he spoke these words looking at his audience.

"That also means to understand to full story. One must go back to the beginning. When there wasn't a recognized tribe of fire. When we as a people were nothing more than nomadic wondering vagabonds. We lived off the land and followed the herd from one patch of land to the next. Once again I am Tsuga Raven Wing and I will be your guide through this epic that we call Crim Tälian history." His voice gave off an ancient hue of awe inspiring power that spreading a warm and comfortable feeling to the souls of anyone listening. He was sitting on an old tree stump that was unnaturally smooth from the years wear and tear. Giving evidence that it was a spot long since used for story telling.

To begin the story let me explain the early people of Fire were a nomadic race. Straying from one area to another area at any given time, not calling one particular land their own. The reason for this life style was because they were Sheppard's. The livestock they cared for was the life blood of their continuously moving tribes.

Originally the Fire tribe was made up of nine clans or families. Each family was a single part of the whole, but they all had their own attributes that contributed to their specific way of life. Dragon clan - were the natural born leaders taking charge; Serpent clan - they kept to themselves tending to lean toward the darker sides of life; Raven clan - the light where the serpent is darkness; Goat clan - the tenacious, hard working, and creative; Owl clan - As tactful and wise as the endless ocean; Hawk clan - noble and truthful; Tiger clan - rely on strength and power; Fox clan - intelligent, sly and cunning; Monkey clan - their concerns were a long the lines of civil services and where strict humanitarians.

Their way of life was simple. With no land to worry about the tribe concentrated on other avenues and endeavors to occupy their time. Thus they became great artisans creating beautiful works of art, music, and dance. Excelling in each area of art and culture, but, dancing would become the most important cultural activity to all the clans. As it was the most visual of all the pass-times. It was also passed down through the clans as legacies to the lineage. Eventually evolving as the generations and families grew. The dances were adapted to each family within the nomadic fire tribe. Eventually, these dances would became known throughout the world either being called the Nine Dances of Fire or Novem Ignis Chorus.

"All together there were nine families or clans that make up our tribe. Over a unknown length of time each of the families developed a special ability hidden with in their dances. Each dance had a special power that reflected the characteristics and essence of each clan." You could tell that there was a hidden meaning behind Tsuga's words because there was a twinkle in his eyes as he said these words. As if answering a call a chilling breeze blow through the crowd. Shaking everyone to their core. There were even a few that turned deathly pale and couldn't keep themselves from trembling. That's strange wind startled everyone in the audience giving moot evidence to the hidden power and pride Tsuga had in his tribe.