17
THE BLUE FEATHER
Mahucutah and himself to ride. As soon as Mahucutah mounted
his horse, the horse turned a glowing, golden color. Before
leaving the ranch Mahucutah did something Tital thought very
strange. He touched a black bird that sat in the tree next to the
cenote. The bird turned a golden color, and Mahucutah
whispered something to the bird. Then he dropped the golden
bird into the deep water of the cenote.
The journey north was easier and faster now that Mahucutah
could also ride. Tital was happy to know that he had unselfishly
helped the rancher, and his daughter. The kilometers passed
quickly, but there was still no sign of Bardala and the others.
Tital felt his position in helping Bardala was more secure, since
Mahucutah was with him. There were only faint tracks on the
hard ground, which only Brilloso could follow, that gave hope to
Tital. When the Sun went down, Tital made camp next to
another Mayan stone stela. Mahucutah sa id that it would be
good to be next to the portal of the Underworld. After Tital and
his animals ate, he asked Mahucutah questions.
“Are there more guardians like you?” asked Tital.
“Only my three brothers; Balam Quitzé, Guardian of the
North; Balam Acab, Guardian of the East; and Iqui Balam,
Guardian of the West,” said Mahucutah.
“Are there many others that live in your world?” Tital asked.
“Yes, many other beings, some more and some less powerful,
and one who helps us all, the most powerful, The Supreme
Creator. Even I cannot look upon Him, I do what He commands,”
said Mahucutah.
“Are there many other people like me on those dots in the
sky, we call stars?” Tital asked.