He stood firm facing the wind  his long grey streaked hair spread out like a fan
his lean muscular body showing no signs yet, of his ill health

A stoic look on his well chiseled face
with which he hoped to keep hidden
his condition from the rest of the tribe

A Shaman leader,who can heal others, but not himself , loses his effectiveness,and in
some cases the trust of his peers

It leaves the door open to those who
want his position to make a case for it
but  he wasn't ready to relinquish his
power just yet

Gazing over his beloved land,the majestic mountains,the spectacular waterfalls,the trees that reached proudly towards the heavens

His people whom he dearly loved,the horses the other animals,all of the reasons he preferred the outdoors, keeping the  ancient ways of his ancestors

So proud that in this modern age he had convinced his tribe to maintain the old
ways, while being successful with their winery, among other produce

The Wappo tribe had been in the Napa
Valley from when it was first discovered,  it was only fitting that they now lived off the land and prospered...it was called a paradise by the first settlers who saw it...

A river flowed through the valley, provided life giving water ,fresh fishes.A great variety of fruits, nuts and berries,and all the wildlife one could want for hunting

Of course it proved to be superb for vineyards,which produced great wines
and this is  their main source of income  today

As Malachi pondered how much time was left to him,perhaps another year,he had already chosen whom he wanted for his succsessor

He contentedly enjoyed the scenes from the past that danced before his vision,as he stood with renewed zest to make sure he would leave the people he loved with the best of everything...

etw