Once, long ago, Porcupine had feathers. The people didn't know whether Porcupine was bird or mammal. Porcupine liked to boast about this.
"I am good enough to be regarded as one of you, and one of the humans," he said one day to Duck. Duck had no wish to be a human, or related to them, but this was boasting. Duck hated boasting. In those days, everybody hated all sorts of bragging. Especially the Great Spirit.
"Oh Honorable Spirit. Oh one of great power. I come from the North to ask of you a favor," Duck said, bowing low when he came to the home of the Great Spirit.
"Surely it is not you, Duck, you have always been loyal to your gods spirits and beliefs. Why have you come?" The Great Spirit boomed with much concern in his voice.
"Porcupine has been boasting," Duck paused, searching for the next word. Before he could get it out, the Great Spirit interrupted him. "Of course. Of course. I should have known that Porcupine needed some discipline! You best be on your way now. Good-bye Duck," he said, and Duck turned to leave. "I really should not have given Porcupine feathers. I should have known something like this would happen!" he muttered to himself, thinking of a plan. Duck had waddled over the horizon now, and was out of sight.
"So now, fellow bird, I have a surprise for you. Tonight I shall go into the village and steal fire from the humans. Your friends dared me to do so," Porcupine grinned in delight as Ducks face lit up with excitement.
"But oh, Porcupine. How shall you bring the fire back?" Duck had realized that problem immediately, but Porcupine wasn't too bright.
"Why, I'll carry it on my back of course!" Porcupine answered. Duck didn't tell him that fire could burn feathers. Duck didn't tell Porcupine because she felt that was what the Great Spirit wanted her to do.
And so the night fell. Porcupine set off to the village, and Duck and her friends looked for a last glimpse of him, because they all knew that would be the last time they saw him with feathers.
Late into the night, Porcupine came back. The fire had burned out on his back, and all there was left were a few burnt quills. Porcupine didn't notice until his friends pointed it out. He was angry, but he didn't have anything else left to brag about.
Duck had done what the Great Spirit had asked of her. And to this day, Porcupine has quills, and Duck seems noble.
