Zulu Warrior
... this journey claim the status of manhood, and get to choose a bride. They also have the privilege of wearing the lion’s teeth around their necks; this symbolizes courage and demands respect. Ever since I was a small boy I have waited and trained for my turn, the journey which would change me from a boy to a man. On my 19th birthday the tribal elders led me to the edge of our lands, where they preformed a ceremony calling on the gods. They asked the gods to guide me on my journey, helping to transform me into a spiritual part of the land. They then left me. I walked for four days and three nights, and on dusk of the forth day I found what I was looking for. It was a deep valley where and a weary old Unjani tree hung over a dried up river bed. Dozing under the tree lay an enormous lion, his mane shining fiery gold in the last rays of sunlight. Biting back fear I began to carefully plan my moves. I crept around a rocky outcrop, closing in on the lion. After readying my spear in one hand, and dagger in the other I sank down. I quietly stalked towards the animal. Knowing I had only one chance I aimed my spear and thrust it with as much accuracy and strength as I could muster. It drove deep into the beast, piercing his shoulder, and narrowly missing his heart. The lion let out a horrendous roar, jumped around, and then saw me....