Four

By Dwayne Kimbrough

It is shortly after the great flood, and early in the history of mankind.

It is a time of much discovery and invention.

Man is becoming populace and stretching out over the earth. All men speak the same language, but they are showing signs of diversity. Suddenly an idea arises among men to cease from diversifying and from spreading apart and for all men to come together in unity and to build as one mind and one nation.

And as man sets on his endeavor to come together as one people in one land, they continue to discover and to invent.

Yet it is written in the Bible that there is no new thing under the sun.

Are we ever discovering, or do we only rediscover?

And is there a limit to how much we are allowed to rediscover? History tells us that indeed there is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887933696

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Four

Dwayne Kimbrough

Copyright © 2022 Dwayne Kimbrough

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 979-8-88793-371-9 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88793-369-6 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

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About the Author

1

Libo walked very slowly with a heavy expression, looking down in deep concentration at what he had carved into the ground. He wanted it perfect.

It had to be completely accurate before he proceeded with the next step, which was to carve what was in the ground into wood. He had gotten some collaboration from others on this project, but they had collaborated without interest, and even grudgingly.

No one minded Libo doing what he was doing, but no one, it seemed, really wanted to help out in seeing it through. Maybe later, they all said.

With proper care, if Libo ever got around to carving it into wood, it would last for many generations, perhaps along with the story of the great one Noah. Libo had hoped to begin carving into wood today, but he'd conceded that wasn't happening. The sun was getting lower in the sky, and the shadows were growing long. Very soon he would have to stop and wait for the sun to return to the sky. When he did resume, he would have to waste time redoing what had come undone during the night.

The gods forbid there should be a freak early rain or his cousins would frolic over the grounds.

Libo was a descendant of Ham, and they were disproportionately illiterate. He recognized the curse upon them having something to do with that, it lived on like an old tree. Perhaps that was why his closest relatives were so quick to play and dance, and so quick to shun work or study. There was no harm in playing or dancing, Libo felt, but learning to read and to write was essential. In fact, Libo emphatically stressed teaching all children to read and to write, and he stressed that everyone be made to study the past so that it be remembered.

Libo's brothers and many of his close relatives, however, seemed to want to forget.

Libo strongly believed that it was because of the curse.

And so Libo took it upon himself alone to carve out the lineage and history of the descendants of Ham after the flood for the sake of them knowing who they were. He had always stressed that all things be written down and remembered—from great events to great men—it should all be written down and remembered.

The descendants of Shem and of Japheth were writing down and remembering, and they all seemed to be vigorous when it came to learning to read and to write, and they were studying and teaching their children not only letters but also numbers.

All agreed that being good with numbers was the reason they were here today. Noah the great one from whom all descendants had come was the master of the use of both numbers and letters. All agreed, and Noah himself, that it was because of his understanding of numbers that he was able to build that great floating city that had housed his immediate family and all the beasts that survived the great flood.

The ark still sat like a monument quite visible and unnaturally elevated in the mountains that it now rested.

Today people were pushing ever farther away from that monument and spreading farther apart. It now took a long time to get from one corner of civilization to the other, and not many people did. Therefore though everyone still knew that they were all related, most only knew a small fraction of the ever expanding population of man. It was no longer possible or practical for everyone to know everyone else. Yes, people were spreading out far and wide. It was all the more reason why Libo felt pressed to write down all that he could, so that those of his lineage—the lineage of Ham—remembered who their great-grandfathers were. Those who had taken time to learn how to read could be in the knowledge of just who they were and where they came from.

Libo's dream was to institutionalize the history of the great people of Ham. There were great men of Ham.

The descendants of Shem and of Japheth were moving far ahead of the people of Ham with regard to recorded history. History in fact was but one of a great many things being pressed for institutionalizing among all the clans. With so many to feed, so many newborn, so many sick, an ever-increasing populace, and now with certain arrogant ones, young males bullying and clashing, there was a great need for some kind of law, some kind of structure, a great need for institutionalizing of many things.

All the clans saw the need.

Libo felt that those from Japheth's and Shem's clan saw the need more than the descendants of Ham, but all men saw that there was a great need to organize.

It was time for a new world order.

These days, though not today, Libo would spend time with other wise ones from all the other clans. All were in agreement that the wise ones from all the clans should gather routinely. They saw the need for better structure of these gatherings of wise ones. Some pushed that the wise ones gather every day, and Libo was in agreement with that because it was now necessary.

Libo realized something else however. All were not participating.

Representatives from all clans needed to be involved for the gatherings to have maximum effect.

At the last gathering it had been suggested that some sort of rule be introduced where only one spoke at a time during a gathering. Another excellent suggestion was that there was more than one gathering at a time at a number of different locations with someone writing down all that was said in each gathering and then having a gathering to read and weigh all the subjects from all the gatherings.

Sub note: The term meetings had recently been suggested to replace the word gathering because meeting just sounded better.

Libo was quite vocal in the gatherings. During the last one he had yelled out, Before attending the next gathering, all that are present diligently search your surroundings for a clan that is not involved! If you find such a clan, then bring the brightest from that clan to the gathering! We must involve everyone from all corners of the people!

Now as Libo carefully studied his writings in the dirt, his youngest brother walked up and pretended to read what Libo had etched in the ground. Libo's youngest brother was only pretending to read because he had not belabored the chore of learning how. After a moment he said, Hum, and then he began to stump upon Libo's writings.

Libo vehemently roared at his youngest brother, Hey! Stop that, Algo!

Algo paused to look up. What made Algo distinctive, and forever baby-faced, was that his face was smooth and hairless. He'd never been able to grow facial hair and was teased severely for it. He now rubbed his smooth chin and snickered at Libo. Hee-hee-hee!

Algo then continued to stomp foot imprints upon Libo's writings. As he stomped, he yapped, I add my squiggly lines to go with yours! You are not the only one who wants something to be remembered!

My writing need nothing more added! Libo retorted. If you took time to learn how to read, then you would know as much!

Algo stomped more vigorously.

"Stop that! Libo demanded. Before adding your squiggly lines, it would help that you learn how to point them!"

And the next time you get hungry maybe you should have squiggly lines bring meat for your belly! Algo railed. You're probably getting hungry now! You seem to work up quite an appetite drawing lines and circles! Maybe you should be using some of that energy learning how to hunt!

I am a proficient hunter…if need be, Libo defended.

Algo chuckled spitefully, even as he stomped another small section of Libo's hard work.

Did we not make an agreement, Algo? Libo snapped. You bring meat and I bring vegetables and fruit! Thanks to my garden we have vegetables and fruit, isn't that so?

The vegetables and fruit are because of Mother! Algo fired.

I am the one who breaks the ground for the garden, Libo defended. Mother simply tends it for me.

Well our agreement did not include that you would get help from Mother!

Algo, the agreement was that you bring the meat and I supply the vegetables and the fruit.

I don't recall an agreement for Mother to help you! She doesn't help me!

Do you not like the vegetables and the fruit that are picked from my garden?

Vegetables and fruit are okay, but they are not necessary! When our families come together to eat, they expect meat, and when they find none, they cry out, where is the beef!

The voice of another suddenly cried, You say that what I bring isn't important!

It was the voice of their brother Canis, who was slightly older than Algo and younger than Libo. As Canis walked to join his brothers, he was holding up a large flask and grinning. He paused to drink from the flask and then said, Ahh.

Algo danced on tip toes toward Canis, and as he did so, he said, Everything goes better with that!

Canis hoisted the flask and asked, And what kind of meat are we having with this?

Algo gave a hearty nod and replied, We've got a hog that would please even Nimrod, the mighty hunter! It's roasting over the fire even as we speak! Can't you smell it?

Canis only smiled. He had indeed smelled the hog roasting.

Algo reached for the flask that Canis was holding, but Canis blocked Algo and snapped, This is drink for our meal!

Algo grunted and again reached for the flask, and Algo did manage to snatch the flask away from Canis and muttered, Is this the good stuff?

Do you even have to ask?

Nope, Algo replied, and he opened his mouth and began guzzling.

Canis snapped at Algo, Hey! and then Canis angrily snatched the flask back to him.

Libo wagged a finger at both of his brothers and admonished, Every day you drink as like the day they left the ark!

Algo shooed Libo, and then said to Canis, "Ahh…that is the good stuff! He then looked down at Libo's writings and said to him, You should have had some of that stuff before making your squiggly lines."

Libo frowned and asked, Why?

You would have twice as many.

That makes no sense!

Well, I see twice as many lines as before I drank.

Libo swelled and then snapped at Canis, Make sure that Algo has none of that until after he has hunted lest he become the animal's meal! Libo then scanned Canis with his eyes and asked him, Is that the only flask that you have with you?

Canis nodded.

You know I don't like the fermented! Libo fussed.

Canis replied, Well, you're done with that today, aren't you? It is time for you to unwind…lighten up.

Libo pointed at Canis and charged, I could have used your help today! Had you helped then I could begin carving into wood today!

Canis held up the flask and said, Had I helped you with that then we would not have this!

Libo angrily fussed, We need less of that! He shook his finger at his markings in the ground and said, This is what we need more of!

Algo shooed Libo and then stretched both his hands to the heavens and bellowed, Thank you, Canis, my brother, for knowing what is important!

Libo snapped, If I come here tomorrow and find my work ruined, then I will place the blame on you, Algo! I will hunt you down, and we will have you for supper tomorrow!

Algo and Canis both stiffened and looked sharply down their noses at their eldest brother, Libo.

Canis chided, Mother said we should not joke in that manner! She said that is why the people of Japheth and Shem look down upon us!

Libo shook his head emphatically and replied, The people of Japheth and Shem look down upon us because we spend too much time reveling and drinking!

Algo began to dance, and as he danced, he said, This why the Jeffros and the Shemlonites hate us!

Canis joined in, and he too began to dance with Algo step for step. As they danced, they looked at each other and gave a nod. Together they cried, Because we know how to Ham it up!

Libo frowned at his brothers and said, "They are the clans of Japheth and of Shem, not Jeffros and Shemlonites! And they are quick to remind us of how our great father Noah has cursed our tribe! Libo emphatically shook his finger at the flask that Canis was holding and railed, It all started with that!"

Algo twisted his face and retorted, "How can he curse somebody just because he got drunk!"

Algo, be quiet! Libo retorted. It is because of flippant remarks like that that Japheth and Shem find justification for the curse!

Algo frowned and asked, What is flippant?

Nevermind about that right now! Libo snapped. The point is that all people from all the tribes must come together or this very sort of contention which we are speaking of right now will only grow bigger!

Everything is all right between us and them, Canis said. He grinned wryly, winked at Algo and said, It's just minor differences between us and them, right, Algo?

That's right, brother, Algo replied.

Canis again winked and said, "They say po-tay-toes!"

Algo hiked his brow and replied, "And we say po-tay-tuhs!"

Canis tapped his toes and said, "They say to-may-toes!"

Algo nodded emphatically and replied, "And we say to-may-tuhs!"

Algo and Canis once again began to dance, and as they danced, they laughed.

Libo threw a hand at them and turned his back to them. He began the long hike back toward his home.

Canis and Algo fell in beside him.

Libo gave Algo a threatening look and pointed back at what he had carved into the ground.

Algo looked back and grumbled, What about your squiggly lines?

What I have written is your responsibility! It better remain through the night!

Algo retorted, You cannot make me responsible for that!

It just better remain undisturbed! Libo charged. He then asked, Where is Teino?

Teino was the remaining of these four sons of Hamphat by Derma his wife.

The diplomat Libo was the oldest. Teino, the adventurer and really crazy one, was second oldest, and then the husbandman Canis, with hunter Algo being the youngest of them.

Canis answered Libo; Teino is somewhere trying to become a Nimrod—

No one is like Nimrod! Algo retorted. Nimrod is the king!

Canis said, Teino wants to be remembered for something…there's nothing wrong with that.

Teino goes too far with things…with everything! Algo railed.

Canis sighed and muttered, Teino does go too far. Libo said, Maybe that he goes too far is what will cause Teino to be remembered.

Algo asked, Did you add his name to all of those squiggly lines back there?

No.

Why don't you just write Teino's name beside Nimrod's name before Teino loses his life trying to become Nimrod!

You think that by writing Teino's name beside Nimrod will make Teino great? Libo challenged, and with an adamant shake of his head, Libo admonished, Having one's name written down does not a Nimrod make!

2

It was late in the day, and Teino once again found himself a long way from home—and in the middle of nowhere. Winding up nowhere close to human settlement was something Teino found himself in more than he wanted. He wasn't going to get back home, at least not until tomorrow. He didn't like it when he didn't make it home for the night.

And he liked it even less when he had to spend a night in the wilderness.

Sleeping without bedding and without the protection of others was not romantic. Besides the discomforts of having to sleep on a cold hard ground, he would miss the delicious meal prepared by his clan. He knew they were now about to feast.

Teino was not the only one who didn't like it when he didn't make it home.

His family didn't like it one bit when he didn't make it home because they were worried that something had befallen him, though not as much as they used to.

They still worried but now pretended to not.

Teino had been wandering off for a long time—nearly the whole of his mature life—and his family had in fact conceded that he was just crazy. They had also resolved that one of these days he would for certain wander away from camp and never come home again. For a while Teino's parents and brothers bade him tell them before he went off on one of his crazy quests so they could at least be somewhat prepared for his absence, but Teino never knew himself when he wasn't going to make it home. He never planned to find himself so far away. He would simply all of a sudden look up and realize that he was a long way from home. Teino used to explain in detail to his entire family upon returning home why he didn't…for a while.

Then he only told his mother and father.

Then he only told his mother.

Now he didn't tell anybody why he didn't make it home because no one wanted to hear it.

The reason no one wanted to hear it was because it was usually a crazy reason.

But then again so was Teino.

Libo once told Teino, One day they will come up with a name for what's wrong with you.

Sometimes the reason for Teino winding up very far from home seemed very simple. This time he was simply in search of a book.

One time it was because he was following a butterfly.

One time he was just going in the direction that the wind was blowing to find out how long he would have to travel before the winds shifted directions. That was one time that he didn't think he'd ever find his way back home for two reasons; the wind didn't stop for days on end, and therefore neither did he. He finally came to what he presumed to be the end of the world. There was nothing beyond but water, and it seemed after that nothing at all.

Sometimes Teino's reasons for wandering far from home were scientific, agricultural, and horticultural. Those times were usually planned however, and Teino was usually accompanied by Canis, Algo, Libo, or other members of his clan, and often it was to decide if it would be a good idea to move the clan or just stay right on the plot of land they now were. New land expeditions were becoming rather testy of late because people had taken to claiming areas that were bountiful for farming and hunting for themselves, and not desiring to share their claim with anyone else. Claiming land was indeed another hot item at Libo's and the wise men's meetings.

Could one simply say this land is my land?

What man had the right to claim a certain section of the earth as his land and his alone?

Such political issues did not interest Teino. That was stuff for the likes of Libo.

Teino wanted to explore. Teino liked asking why.

And then he would set out to find an answer to the question he'd asked.

Why is that butterfly flying that way?

Why is the wind blowing in that direction today? Does it blow to the end of the world?

How big is the world?

One thing about asking questions, which is still to this day; asking them usually only leads to more questions.

The mysteries of life were so many. With each new day that Teino awoke, it seemed that another compelling question beckoned him. With each new day there was a new adventure, all day long. That was the order of his day. Life was but one enormous puzzle to be unraveled.

Besides things like geography and physics, there were other things, and some of them bizarre, that Teino was interested in. He'd learned that certain herbs, spices, and roots had soothing or medicinal effects depending on how they were mixed, stored, dried, and whatnot, not so bizarre. Certain concoctions, however, when mixed created mind-stimulating and/or mind-altering potions, bizarre. Teino was intrigued by both the not so bizarre and the bizarre. Experimenting with potions, using but himself as guinea pig, could be dangerous, even deadly. Teino and those like him were considered to be not only crazy but also daring too. Teino had witnessed one colleague become truly mad after dabbling with a potion. He'd witnessed the death of another and the near death of more than he'd have liked. He'd nearly lost his own life while extracting the venom of a serpent for one of his own medicine potions, a recipe that he'd gotten from another curious man whom he respected.

The serpent that had nearly taken his life had spoken to him shortly after striking him—Teino was certain that it had! He immediately told his family as much.

And he was the brunt of jokes during many meals for it!

Then again, the serpent had only spoken to Teino, and only after Teino had taken one of his concoctions in a desperate attempt to counteract the deadly venom that had been injected into his body.

Teino, in fact, didn't start hearing the voices and seeing the visions until after he was brave enough to start consuming his potions. In time Teino boasted to Canis, Your wine cannot take your mind where my potions do! Just you wait until I have completely figured it out!

Canis was not at all impressed with Teino's boasts, and Canis chastened Teino, as did also the rest of his family. They told Teino to stop dabbling with mind-altering drugs and stop trying to figure everything out!

Try being normal like the rest of us! they told Teino. Why can't you just settle down and be a family man!

As Teino now sat out in the wilderness all alone, he considered what his family had urged, and he somberly whispered in response, But I wish to ask questions.

Teino looked up at the sun. It was lower in the sky. Soon it would disappear and be replaced by the moon, and it would become much cooler. I don't think I'm going to make it home on this night, he conceded. He was standing at the crest of a fairly thick forest.

And so Teino remembered kneeling down at the base of a tree to rest.

He'd exerted a lot of energy over the course of the day. He'd started out the day in search of a book, but he had in fact become sidetracked and diverted all this way chasing after a unicorn!

It was widely believed, by those who believed in them, that unicorns were magical creatures and that if properly utilized, one could inherit special abilities from possessing the horn of one, things such as healing ominous sicknesses and even divination. Oddly enough, many utterly denied the existence of them, but Teino believed because he'd seen them on a couple of occasions, only fleetingly but he had seen them, or had he?

Had he really seen one today?

Was it really the mysterious unicorn that he'd seen?

Perhaps it was just a horse.

Unicorns seemed hypnotic, and when Teino saw them, it was as though they were allowing him the privilege.

Not many saw them. Hence, not everyone believed in them. Earlier on this day Teino was convinced that he had seen one…maybe it was just a horse.

Either of those creatures could move very fast. That was why Teino had exerted a lot of energy trying to get close to it, whatever it was.

He finally stopped to rest against a tree, and apparently drifted off to sleep.

Between that state of awake and asleep, he had an odd sort of dream.

Imagine how fast you would travel if you were to climb onto the back of one of those powerful creatures, not just a unicorn, but even a horse. One must be brave and daring to attempt to ride even a horse. It is a foreboding task, but the reward is great.

Teino's eyes popped open, and he immediately asked, Can a man ride a unicorn…or even a horse? He sat up away from the trunk of the tree and searched the area around him. Who's there! he cried out. He stood to his feet and again looked all around. Who was talking to me just now? he asked. Then he realized that he'd fallen asleep.

It was only a dream!

It seemed so real…but then again he was crazy.

Nevertheless, he deduced that someone had talked to him just now, someone or something.

He studied his surroundings. The land that he was now on was alive with vegetation. It was rather surprising that no one had claimed it. He was standing in tall grass, and thick forest lay just beyond. It was the type of area that could support all types of life, from small creatures to the big and dangerous types such as bears.

This was really not a good place to be all alone!

Teino took another glance at the lowering sun and began toward his camp. It was time to head back toward home. He definitely wouldn't make it all the way there by the time the light was gone from the sky. He thought about what the voice had said to him: imagine how fast you would travel if you were to climb onto the back of one of those creatures.

And Teino began looking diligently around for a horse.

It would be a foreboding task, the voice had said, and Teino agreed that climbing onto the back of one probably would be quite a task. He didn't give that much thought, at least not at this time. What was whetting his appetite was that the voice said the reward would be great, climbing onto a horse and riding it!

He would be able to travel twice as fast!

Maybe four times as fast! Imagine what that would mean!

Teino, suddenly overcome by the possibility of a horse's potential, cried out, I must find one of these creatures! He dared consider walking farther away from home, but even as he considered, he subconsciously began walking toward home. Now was not the time to wander farther away. Nevertheless, he was very intrigued with the idea of capturing a horse for something other than food. How can I lure one of these things to me? he wondered, and his question was immediately answered.

He saw an apple tree.

Apparently horses liked apples because standing at the base of the apple tree was an ass, stretching its head upward in an effort to pluck one of the apples from the branches with its teeth. The branches were just high enough that the ass could not reach them.

Teino smiled and whispered, How about that? It wasn't a horse, not as big or as strong or nearly as fast, but it was similar. It could probably support Teino's weight with ease. They were used for hauling stuff. And it was definitely faster than Teino.

Teino again looked skyward. The sun was getting ever lower. This was no time to be picky. That ass would just have to do!

Teino approached the apple tree and the ass standing at the base of it.

The ass, upon seeing Teino, tucked tail and trotted away. That was what Teino expected it would do. Some people came after his kind for food.

Hopefully the ass would not run too far away.

Teino hurried over to the apple tree, jumped up and grabbed the lowest branch, and then he climbed quickly up until he could reach the apples. Apparently the ass or others like it had been coming to this tree because Teino had to climb above what the ass could reach before getting to the apples. He promptly plucked a couple for himself and a couple for the ass. He looked and saw that the ass had not ran clean away but lingered, and watched Teino.

Teino decided to try something. He dropped one of the apples to the ground.

The ass, at once, began toward the apple that was on the ground, but as it made its way toward the apple, Teino quickly climbed down the tree.

The ass sped up so that it could get to the apple, but it quickly saw that it would not reach the apple before Teino was down from the tree and thus stopped dead in its tracks, turned its back, and began to go away.

Nevertheless, the ass looked behind itself to see what Teino would do.

Teino, after getting down from the tree, snatched up the apple that he had dropped onto the ground and straightaway tossed the apple away from himself and toward the ass.

The ass came to attention. It studied the apple that Teino had thrown in its direction, and then it noted the distance that Teino was from the apple. The ass nearly took a step toward the apple, but then decided that Teino was standing too close. He snorted and scraped one of his hoofs at the ground, but Teino did not give space, and so the ass reluctantly turned away.

Teino turned away as well.

The ass perked up when it saw Teino turn away. It faced the apple again and then began toward it.

Teino turned and took a step toward the apple.

The ass grunted disapproval and turned away.

Teino's thoughts: This is going to take a little while.

A little while it did take, but in time the ass sidled up to Teino and began to eat out of Teino's hand. Teino didn't want to give the ass too much for fear that it would have its fill and leave. Nevertheless, he figured that as big as the thing was it would probably take more than just a couple of apples to satisfy it. What's say you and I become friends, Teino said to the beast.

The ass, still rather leery, kept itself in a position where it could take off at a gallop if need be.

Relax, Teino said, and he held out his hand to pet the beast.

The ass reared back in protest.

Teino quickly pulled his hand in, grabbed up another apple from out of his bosom, and quickly extended it for the ass to take. The ass slowly extended its head and began to softly nibble at the treat that Teino was holding out.

Do you know how to speak? Teino asked.

The ass made the slightest grunt, and then swallowed up the remainder of the apple out of Teino's hand.

Would you mind if I climbed on top of you? Teino asked. I should not be very heavy for you.

The ass looked into Teino's eyes, and then at his hands, as though for another apple to be produced.

Yes, Teino said. I will give you more treats, but you must do something for me. And if you know how to speak, then do so now. Don't play with me.

The ass stood still, eyeing Teino. It slowly began to turn away.

Wait! Teino called out, and he produced the last of the apples that he'd plucked from the tree.

As the ass ate the last apple, Teino wondered, How do I climb on top of this thing? And after, how do I get it to go where I want?

Those were head-scratching questions, but Teino was comforted to learn that the ass had taken a hankering to him. It hung around and waited as Teino climbed back up the apple tree for more, and as Teino began walking toward his camp, he was easily able to persuade the ass to follow along after him.

3

Libo arose before the rest and returned to his remote field at the earliest part of the dawn to find his writings still decipherable in the dirt—that which Algo hadn't stomped on. Libo would begin carving what was written on the ground into wood in the hope of getting it done by the end of the day.

Then he could move on to the next page. It was the old-fashioned way.

For all of man's existence there has been a phrase used from time to time: As fate would have it.

There has always been occasion for that phrase, even from man's beginning.

Libo presently felt good about himself as he worked quickly and efficiently at carving his writings into a nice fat slab of wood that he had previously prepped. It seemed that he would complete his entire recording of recent history before the rainy season.

But as fate would have it, many others had decided to get up early on this day.

As Libo was just beginning to carve, he looked up to see a fairly large amount of men walking toward him. Canis and Algo were leading them.

Libo thought maybe it's because Teino didn't come home last night.

That definitely had a lot to do with it. People have always been creatures of habit, and when normal habits are disturbed or even slightly disrupted, then it upsets the normalcy, thus prompting people to do things differently than normal.

The way that it was, many of the clans had settled into the habit of having their meals just as the sun was about to set. From one tip of civilization to the other, everyone ate at about the same time. The end of the day just seemed like the appropriate time to eat, but on special occasions, such as when the normalcy had been upset and everyone had risen earlier than normal, like now, there would sometimes be an early meal.

Over time various groups of people, even some of Libo's own relatives, began to push that another mass meal be eaten at the beginning of the day, not just occasionally, but every day.

Many were lobbying for the early meal for everyone every day, not just on special event days.

Libo wanted to keep an open mind when it came to new ideas, but he also wanted to be bearish when somebody came up with a bright idea.

Just say no to any new idea, especially with his clan!

That was Libo's mind-set.

Just saying no was good, whether the idea was or not, because it deterred the people from jumping at every whim and fancy.

If the idea was truly good, then it would stand the test of time and eventually become the way.

About eating two meals a day; Libo's sincere response was an adamant no!

To prepare one meal was time-consuming!

What sense would it make to add more of them?

All the time of the day would be spent either preparing to eat or eating!

On the other hand, everyone really did enjoy eating!

Maybe more of that wasn't a bad idea.

Libo headed out to cut the group of approaching men off before they were upon him and trampling upon his writings in the ground before he'd carved it into wood.

What is this about! he demanded.

The throng, at least a couple of dozen men, didn't seem to have a reason for being up early. After Libo asked his question, they looked around from one to another.

Canis finally spoke for all of them. You woke me up when you got up.

Nonsense! Libo scoffed.

You did wake me up! Canis insisted.

Okay…please excuse me for waking all of you up! And since you are awake, then that means the women are as well! Go and tend to their needs!

Nope, they all still sleep.

I know they've gotten up! Libo scoffed. They no longer smell you beside them!

Certain men shook their heads.

Just take my word for it, Libo told them.

You think you're so smart, do you? one asked.

Libo nodded and replied, I am considered wise by more than just you.

Algo snapped, Forget about that! Are we going to search for Teino!

And so that is what this is about? Libo asked.

Is Teino all right? one named Fastus asked. Fastus was quick to jump to conclusions. He suddenly proclaimed, Teino is dead!

No! Teino is not dead! Libo immediately refuted.

Fastus asked, Why didn't he come home last night?

There were a few scattered murmurings.

Libo cried, Teino has done this sort of thing from the time that he was of age! All of you know this!

His curiosity has finally killed him! Fastus declared.

Don't say such a thing! Libo retorted. Teino is fine! He will probably be among us again before the day is half over!

Which direction did he head off in? one asked.

Don't worry about it! Libo replied.

You should be worried about your brother!

I'm not my brother's keeper!

The wise ones from the clans of Ham need to assemble today! a fellow wise one named Solemnities proclaimed. And you must be among us!

I must finish this project! Libo replied.

We need to address the subject of marriage! We need to develop new laws! Belial's kids insist on marrying only within themselves, and it seems to be making them really crazy!

Stone them! Fastus cried.

Do not even go there! Libo rebuked.

We should eat something!

Put this old-fashioned scribbling aside, Libo! Let us gather and discuss my matter whilst we eat sun-dried hog belly!

I must finish these writings! Libo insisted.

If you wish to write, then you should move to the city where you can do this the modern way! Right now we must talk! You need to come and talk with us!

Libo asked, Why must I be there? Address the problem yourselves!

We want to hear your voice! Solemnities cried.

What must I say? Libo asked. What must I hear?

We need new laws concerning companions!

Libo retorted, That can wait!

Here Teino comes! a voice suddenly cried out.

There was a great stir as all eyes followed a pointing finger.

Teino, barely visible and still a great ways off, was indeed approaching. Beside him was the ass that he had tamed. Teino had cut a sliver of cloth from the end of his robe and made a rope out of it, which he had placed around the neck of the ass so that he could guide it.

The ass did not object and walked calmly behind Teino in whichever direction Teino wished to walk. As long as Teino kept giving it treats, the ass didn't mind staying with him and didn't really care in which direction they went.

What is that walking behind Teino! one asked.

All looked on with puzzlement at Teino. Finally, Libo said, It is an ass.

Why is he leading that beast unto us in such a way? What is his purpose?

Algo suggested, Perhaps that will be our meal today.

We descendants of Ham don't eat ass! Solemnities proclaimed.

I have eaten ass! Fastus said. It is an acquired taste, a bit greasy.

It is a dry, tough meat! one cried out.

Not if you treat it right and simmer it properly! Fastus insisted. It's tasty!

But where does Teino now bring this strange ass into our camp from? one asked. I will not eat just any ass!

Where would rather the ass that you eat be from?

Cut it out! Libo cried out. Let us wait until Teino is upon us and ask him what he intends to do with that ass he has found!

There was strong agreement at Libo's suggestion, and the now curious throng began walking out to meet Teino and inquire about the ass that he was leading unto them.

As the group of men went out to meet Teino, Solemnities said to Libo, Do not forget the matter that I have put before you, the matter concerning Belial's kids!

Libo snapped, That matter can wait!

It cannot wait, Libo! Your writing can wait! That is less important!

Who are you to say that what I am writing is not important!

I didn't say what you were writing wasn't important! I'm only saying that my issue is more important!

That ass which Teino brings into our camp is what is important now! Fastus cried out. What are his intentions!

Others cried out in agreement with Fastus, and some began yelling at Teino though he was still a great ways off, What do you plan to do with that beast!

Teino had risen well before the sun came up because he could not sleep, which often happened when he found himself away from home, and out in the wilderness exposed to the elements. He hoped that when he got back home on this day that everyone would still be either asleep or just waking up. He was sure that he had already caused his family a fitful sleep by having stayed out all night, and now bringing this strange ass home would certainly ruffle them more. As fate would have it, all the people were already up and fussing about, and Teino dreaded that they were becoming beside themselves because of the manner he was walking with the ass. Men were coming out toward him and shouting nervously at him even as he approached. He observed the ass and noticed that it was becoming unsettled by all the commotion. Teino pulled out an apple for it and whispered, Be calm.

The throng of men was fast upon Teino with questions for him. He ignored the old nosey questions that he was tired of hearing and tired of answering, the ones about where he was and why he'd been out all night.

Teino did wish to talk about the beast that was with him, and it wasn't long before that was the only thing they were asking him. What are you going to do with that beast?

Teino finally replied, I had a dream!

Men gasped.

Algo pushed out of the crowd and squared shoulders with Teino. Algo looked happy for a brief moment because Teino had returned home, but then Algo's expression changed to suspicion. He threw a hand at the ass and asked, Is that our meal for today? You should slay the beast outside of the camp!

Teino smiled at his brother, a furtive greeting, and then replied, No, brother, I hope that you will provide us with today's meat. This ass is not to eat!

And what then are you planning to do with it? Algo asked.

Teino proclaimed, I plan to ride this ass!

There was restless stirring at Teino's words.

Fastus demanded, What do you mean by that!

One named Mickle cried, I know what he means! I have seen a man ride an ass!

There was a buzzing among the crowd. One cried out, Where did you see such a thing!

I was young! Mickle replied. Perhaps I was only dreaming. My father told me that it was only a dream and to go back to sleep!

There were scoffs.

Teino suddenly said, Perhaps I was dreaming when that very idea came to me as well, but I am convinced that I shall ride this ass.

It is not a new thing! Mickle insisted. I have heard of men riding asses, and even horses!

Teino bristled at Mickle's words. He wanted it to be his idea! He demanded of Mickle, Where have you heard of men riding horses?

Libo pushed himself out from the crowd, stretched his arms toward Teino, and cried, We will talk about that later! Right now it's just good to see that you have returned home safely!

Teino, rather disheartened that he was not the first to speak of men riding horses, decided to altogether change the subject. I am hungry! he announced.

Fastus cried out, Let's eat!

There was hearty agreement voiced by the throng.

Teino continued walking toward home, tugging the ass that was alongside him, but Libo suddenly threw up his hands and shooed Teino to go another direction.

Teino asked, What's the matter, brother?

Libo cried, Your beast is coming upon my writings!

Teino looked down and beheld the writing in the ground even as he and the ass began to trudge upon the writing.

Libo frantically shooed Teino.

There is a much better way of doing this now. Teino humbly put to Libo, and then Teino saw that he would have to further apologize because his animal was releasing a fresh pile of manure onto Libo's writings.

Algo laughed heartily at the sight of that and cried, Teino's ass now leaves its mark in history too!

Laughter rang out.

Algo cried, Now that Teino's ass has added input, maybe something will grow out of these writings!

Riotous laughter erupted.

Teino suddenly did something that brought all attention back onto him. He thrust the piece of cloth that he had fashioned into a rope to steer the ass at a man standing nearby and yelled, Hold this!

The man took the piece of cloth that Teino had thrust at him and held on to it, however reluctant and bewildered.

Hold on to it! Teino demanded. Do you have a firm grip!

The man nodded and then tightened his grasp of it.

Teino suddenly hopped up and onto the back of the ass.

The ass was greatly startled, and immediately began to whine and buck, but Teino held on tight and continued to maneuver himself.

The man that was holding the rope, however, let go of it and scurried away, to Teino's chagrin.

Do not let go! Teino cried. Keep hold! Whoa!

The man refused Teino's request and ran farther away.

Someone grab the cloth! Please someone grab on to the cloth! Someone take hold of my ass! Teino