The Magic Twigs

You kept our secret of the magic twigs, and you didn't tell the humans about the Community of the Animals. You kept your word. Now we'll be friends to you, too. We decided, Amadi, that you may show the humans the magic of the twigs, even if that means our Community is revealed."

Delighted, Amadi returned to the village. "I can explain! I can explain!" he called out as angry villagers again hauled him off to the chief. "So explain," said the chief, his arms crossed. Amadi broke a magic twig, and a feast appeared. He broke the other end and it vanished. With other twigs he created pottery and intricate masks.

"How did you learn this black magic?" yelled the chief, full of suspicion.

"It's a good magic I learned from my friends, the Animals," said he. "Watch." And with another twig he created a magnificently beaded crown and offered it as a gift to the chief.

"Father, this is a fine gift," said the chief's daughter. "Look, it must be a good magic because everything he creates with it is good." The chief had to admire the beaded crown and couldn't help but smile as he accepted it.

Not long afterward Amadi was married to the chief's daughter in a grand ceremony. But what made the wedding most grand was the arrival of the Animals as guests. The humans crept as far away from the Hunters and Reptiles as they could while still remaining polite to the invited guests. Still, they couldn't help but admire the richly adorned robes and jewelry they wore. Never had they realized Animals could be so impressive! For their part, the Animals were pleased to see that the humans had accepted their friend Amadi after all. And what was served for dessert at the reception? Honey cakes, of course!