Where, that was the question. And Hunter had no answers. West, as the prophecy foretold? Into the great mountain ranges? The thought frightened him. He had been raised in open spaces, able to see into tomorrow, with the north wind whispering, the grass waving, the buffalo plentiful. What would he hunt? And how? He wouldn't know what roots and nuts to gather. He wouldn't know which plants made good medicine, which bad. Did he dare take a woman into an unknown land, uncertain if he could feed her, care for her, or protect her? What if she came with child? How would he stand tall like a man if his family starved?
The protagonist, Hunter, finds himself grappling with a profound uncertainty as he contemplates a journey into unknown territories. The mention of seeking the West, as foretold by prophecy, amplifies his fears. Hunter reflects on his upbringing in open, familiar spaces, where survival relied on an intimate understanding of nature's offerings. He questions his ability to adapt to a wilderness filled with uncertainty and danger.
His thoughts are heavy with the responsibility of potentially leading a woman into this uncertain landscape. He worries about his capability to provide for her and a future family. The idea of starvation looms large in his mind, creating a conflict between his desire to show strength and his fear of failing those he cares about. Hunter's internal struggle highlights themes of responsibility, survival, and fear of the unknown.
