“What is going on here?” demanded Yufala. “Why are my two sons fighting like wolves?”
The two said nothing but shuffled off in the direction of the river.
“Why do we fight, brother?” Timpoochee called out to Cornstalk as the two scurried away from Yufala.
“What I said is true, “ Cornstalk said, stopping and turning toward the younger one.
“You will see. I am right. It will make a difference.”
Timpoochee sat silently along the river bank, watching schools to fish dart back and forth but mostly upstream.
“My son,” Yufala’s voice thundered from immediately behind him. “It is time we talk.”
Timpoochee was so startled by his father’s appearance he nearly jumped into the river on top of a large turtle.
“It is time you make a trip with me, you and your brother,” Yufala said. “I have already spoken to Cornstalk.”
“Thank you, father!” Timpoochee shouted and leaped for joy. “I have been waiting for many years to to with you. I have dreamed of the land beyond our mountains and what lies at the feet of Long Man.”
For Tsalagi, the central river - Long Man - was seen to have his head in the mountains and his feet in a great ocean.
“I am prepared to go!” Timpoochee said loudly, bravely. “I felt this day was fast approaching and have kept preparations ready!”
“Not yet,” Yufala said. “There is something else.”