The time for young Oel to take "The Walk" has arrived, just as it had for other youngsters for as long as anyone in the village could remember.During his trek with Grandfather, Oel begins to learn how to read the "signs" present in nature ranging from tracks to the characteristics of plants, and what those signs teach about life that God brought forth. Oel learns about dragons God created and sent to protect the earth. The dragons have long-since gone away, but signs of their impacts on life in the mountains and valleys remain, pointing to how to live a virtuous and good life. Through Grandfather's tellings, Oel begins to understand them, and learns why the presence of dragons is no longer necessary because of The Child. By the time the two return home, Oel has changed from the nave adolescent into a young adult ready to contribute to the life of his family and village.
The time for young Oel to take "The Walk" has arrived, just as it had for other youngsters for as long as anyone in the village could remember.During his trek with Grandfather, Oel begins to learn how to read the "signs" present in nature ranging from tracks to the characteristics of plants, and what those signs teach about life that God brought forth. Oel learns about dragons God created and sent to protect the earth. The dragons have long-since gone away, but signs of their impacts on life in the mountains and valleys remain, pointing to how to live a virtuous and good life. Through Grandfather's tellings, Oel begins to understand them, and learns why the presence of dragons is no longer necessary because of The Child. By the time the two return home, Oel has changed from the nave adolescent into a young adult ready to contribute to the life of his family and village.
