Lafayette looked down at his leg and all he saw was blood. So much blood. The metal trap had cut through to the bone and he was miles from help. He knew he was going to die—he was certain of it. He looked out over the savanna and thought to himself, “This is not so bad.”
He grew lightheaded, and in a moment of desperation, or perhaps revelation, he did something he had not done in years: he began to pray. He spoke the words out loud, not to the God of the Missionaries, but to his ancestors. He had always felt, deep in his heart of hearts, that he had betrayed them.
Surprisingly, his thoughts were not for himself, for he had led a good life, but for the farmers and herdsmen who would have no one to turn to for help, and no one to be their voice. He thought of the animals in the park, large and small, who owed their lives to his efforts. He thought of the baby rhino he was raising because poachers had killed its mother for her horn. Of all the cruel waste and foolish greed!
“Tembé,” came a soft voice, calling to him. “Tembé, wake up.”
No one had called him that in many years. It was a special name, a secret name he had been given by the Elder as a young boy. It was a name he cherished.
“Death has come at last,” he thought, “I’m hallucinating.”
“No, Tembé, you are not dead.” The voice was deep, melodic, and commanding. “Your life has just begun. Open your eyes.”
Lafayette complied. Before him stood a figure wearing a robe of earthen tones and carrying a long wooden spear. His face was simultaneously young and strong, and old and wise. Beyond him shone a brilliant yellow-white light.
“Who are you?” asked Lafayette.
“Do you not recognize me? Has it been so long, Tembé?”
“Why do you keeping calling me that? My name is Lafay—”
“Your true name is Tembé,” the voice interrupted. “Do you know what it means?”
“No, I do not,” he replied.
“It means ‘Shadow Warrior’ in the ancient tongue. As Tembé—as Shadow Warrior—you will leave behind your mortal life, but you will continue your work. See? You have been healed.”
Tembé, yes, that was his name. Looking down, he was amazed to find himself free of the trap. His leg was healed, and he was whole and healthy.
“Your work is not done,” said the man who was both young and old. “The world has need of your skills, Tembé. You were bold and brave before, but you were but only a man. Now you are so much more. The spirits of those who have gone before have seen to it. Our gifts we give to you freely. We know you will use them wisely.”
“What gifts?” he asked.
“You will see. You have been reborn and you have much to learn.”
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