Legend of the Uintas

An eagle soared effortlessly passed the mountain. Fes could clearly see the bird’s alert, yellow eyes. Frost outlined some of the bird’s feathers. The eagle must’ve come down from a great height, thought Feston. During this trip, I didn’t know my companions would be eagles. When I get back to solid land, I’m going to stay there. I’ll leave these high places to other people and eagles.

Fes observed that another of his constant companions was fear. This fear was worrisome. He tried to fight off more fear when he saw the malicious, yellow eyes set in a whitish face. Beyond this whiskered face, there loomed a tawny body. Muscles bunched and rippled under thick fur as the animal approached Fes.

Feston knew his dread of the cliff’s edge was much greater than any concern he had about a cat. This cougar would have to turn back because I can’t retreat, Fes thought.

How unlucky can I get? Fes asked himself. There must be only a small number of mountain lions in Colorado and I have to meet one along a narrow route. Of course, I’m the intruder here. The ledge is a place where a cougar would live. It would come here to try to stay away from people.

Terror jumped in Feston when the cat screamed. The tawny animal shot out another piercing scream, then Fes picked up a rock. His other hand gripped a second rock. I fear the open emptiness beside me more than any cat, Fes reminded himself while the animal stepped closer. The paws were wide with long claws.

The cat moved quickly, partially immobilizing Fes with terror. He almost just watched instead of reacting to the attack. Springing off the ground and darting through the air, the cat’s jaws were open and paws outstretched before Fes, tightly gripping a rock, swung it forward. The rock hit the cat’s head, knocking the animal sideways into blue space. After being silhouetted against a blue haze for an instant, the tawny form dropped out of view and left Fes staring at the sky. His heart was pounding so loudly he thought every creature and person must know that Feston Tucker was standing alone on a mountainside.

Feeling triumphant after escaping from the cougar, Fes resumed walking. His feeling of elation gave him extra energy. He pushed onward a little carelessly and slipped on loose gravel. When his feet shot out from under him, he fell on the ledge, leaving his legs kicking in space. Struck by fear again, he clawed at the rocks until he got a firm grip on a protrusion. Pulling with his hands while kicking with his legs, he scrambled away from the precipice. I hate heights, he exclaimed to himself after he sat down with his back shoved firmly against the mountainside.

Looking into a menacing expanse of clear, blue sky, Feston said to himself, if I get off this ledge, I’m going to be more careful with my life. I’ve come so close to death here, I’m going to start considering life to be more precious. I've faced my own death and scrambled away from it. I’ve been given another chance. I have an opportunity to do things differently.