The Elements

When a nomadic group of native, flerd indians suddenly make camp in Fly forest, Tree is simultaneously filled with fear and intrigue. He remembers Whale's poignant songs about their barbaric and savage activities and wonders what will become of him. Ruminant Whale tries to explain that the Fly indians are different from the other worldly flerds, but Tree remains apprehensive and keeps a cautious eye on them.During the mid-summer solstice, the old flerd shaman is seized and carried away by a sacrificial condor leaving the young, inexperienced Shap, his apprentice, to take his place. Shap tries to gain the confidence of the villagers by leading them to the fertile lands around the Fly mountains. The Indians believe the mountains to have evil spirits inhabiting them and it's not long before they start to mysteriously disappear in the night. A battle of wills takes place between Ocillo, an astute, sharp tongued woman, her two spiritually guided twins and the egotistic, narcissistic Shap. When he is unable to appease the spirits, he is exiled by Ocillo's two young daughters after they suppress the evil spirit themselves.The daughters: Chil and Chel, flourish in the forest when they team up with Wee Tree. By embracing Tree they combine their powers to boost his energy, transforming him into a mighty kapok. The old Shaman returns in the form of a condor to guide them through the spirit world. He also takes Shap to visit Virococha, the god of all creation. It is here that Shap comes to believe that he is the son of Virococha and diligently seeks the restoration of the Inca empire. He needs flerd sacrifices to ensure his success and has three significant females in mind...Ocillo, with Chil and Chel as her shamen, create a new way of sustainable living within the forest where hunting is banned and wildlife are encouraged to live in harmony alongside them. Other villagers, attracted by this new, acquiescent way of living, set up successful trading routes along the waterway. The Fly Indians prosper and life is good.The hunters though, are unhappy with this lifestyle and leave the villages in their droves. Somehow they are attracted to Shap and help build his indomitable empire. With its expansion and the increasing quest for food, the hunter warriors capture Ocillo and her fecund lands.They fail to capture Chil and Chel however, so Shap uses Ocillo as bait for the twins whilst preparing her for his first bloody sacrifice.