Spanning several decades, The Legend Makers is the story of many people. In sixteenth century Florida, two Indian tribes-- the Calusa and the Timucua-- make their home. Dancing Egret is of the Calusa tribe, daughter to Headchief Calusa. As a child she has a remarkable ability for storytelling, and as she grows into a woman she becomes known as Singer of Legends. It is she who passes on the stories of her tribe, as well as telling stories of the Timucua when she goes to live with them briefly. Chief Ucita, proud leader of the Calusa tribe, is maimed by Panfilo de Narvaez when he refuses to show the Spaniard where the tribe gets their gold. Kneeling Cypress is Chief Ucita's daughter who marries the man she loves despite the fact that he is a Spaniard, only to be abandoned by him and forced to wed a Timucuan. White Gull is Dancing Egret's sister and Headchief Calusa's daughter, as well as Chief Ucita's youngest wife. Juan Ortiz is the Spanish cavalier who is captured by Chief Ucita. He escapes a horrible death only by the intervention of a woman who takes pity on him-- but life as a slave is his only choice. Kwambu the trader is of African descent and visits all the tribes trading and sharing the news of the others. He is different from everyone else, yet he finds love with a woman who herself is different. Kwambu's wisdom and status as a trader make him a friend to many. These are only a few of the characters whose stories are told in The Legend Makers. In this harsh wilderness of hurricanes, mosquitos and panthers, the Calusa and Timucua seek to hold on to their way of life even as the Spanish and French would force them out and steal their gold, food and land. But even in defeat, the people of these two tribes manage to overcome their adversity and start over. It is their strength, their quiet dignity that makes them legends.A monumental tribute to Native Americans! Kate Cameron's The Legend Makers is storytelling at its very finest! A rich tapestry of tales told by an incredibly gifted author! The lives of the Calusa and Timucua Indians come alive! This is history as it should be told-- powerful, emotional, fascinating! Kate Cameron breaks through the myths and delivers a captivating story! A wonderful blend of authentic details with a fictional flair! For anyone who thinks history is boring, this book will change your mind! The Legend Makers should be required reading for every Florida resident! An exceptionally well written epic!Kristina Wright -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times
Product Description
"POWERFUL, EMOTIONAL, FASCINATING. . . A monumental tribute to Native Americans. . . The Legend Makers is storytelling at its finest."
--The Literary Times
For centuries the brave Calusa and fiery Timucua tribes lived in harmony with their gods and with nature. Then from across the eastern ocean came white men, Spanish explorers determined to wrest from the indigenous people of beautiful la Florida not just their wealth, but their souls. While chiefs and warriors fought to repel the invaders, three extraordinary individuals stood firm to protect their heritage . . . .
Dancing Egret--The proud daughter of the Calusa head chief, a born leader whose courage never wavered, she would defy the powerful Spaniards to save her identity as a Calusa. . . .
Kwambu--The ebony-skinned son of a warrior, his slavery ended when he washed up on the Florida shore. But as an honorable trader, he was still an outsider who feared he would never be accepted, especially by the most beautiful daughter of the Timucua tribe. . . .
Moon of Winter--Her destiny as the wife of a high-born leader was shattered when a panther's claw marred her beauty. Forced to recreate herself, she found a gift for healing that allowed her to make a contribution to her tribe and a new life for
herself. . . .
THE LEGEND MAKERS weaves a brilliant tapestry whose dazzling threads are the loves, dreams, and valiant struggles of real people living in an unforgettable epoch.
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