“I wasn’t planning to. But the last two weeks have shown me that I need a backup plan. I need to be able to protect Leila when danger comes. So I’m keeping the final piece of the Bone.”
“A wise decision,” said Moanasina. “Ilisapesi told me of your vision for the island. I was so proud of you when I heard it. Ilisapesi says they would welcome my help in setting up a school for Telesā children. I would like that. To work with the children…” Her voice trailed away.
Daniel didn’t know what they were to each other. He wasn’t sure how he felt about her. Or what the future held for them. But for now, it was enough that they could sit in peace and watch the sun rise.
Ronan walked with him to the jetty where he would meet the boat back to the mainland. Ronan would stay on a few more days before flying back to Samoa to get his boat. He’d already talked to Kirei on the phone and she was excited to be spending a bit longer in Samoa.
“Then what will you do?” asked Daniel, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear the older man say it out loud.
“I’m going to come back to work on the island for a while,” said Ronan. “There’s so much I can learn from what they’re doing in the marine hospital; the genetics work on prevailing diseases that are decimating whale populations around the world.”
“They’re going to let a man take up permanent residence? That’s pretty revolutionary!” said Daniel.
“Well, I’ll still sleep on the boat,” said Ronan. “Moanasina doesn’t want to live on land.”
“Aaaah so my birth parents are hooking up!” teased Daniel.
Ronan fake punched him, “Hey, show some respect boy!” Both men laughed, then Ronan got serious. “Moanasina and I can’t pick up where we left off twenty years ago. Too much has happened and neither of us is the same person anymore. But we can try to make a new beginning and build from there. Thanks for everything Daniel. I wouldn’t have found her without you.”
“About that father-son thing. I already had an amazing father in Tanielu Tahi. I don’t need another Dad. But I could sure use a friend,” said Daniel.
The older man smiled and offered his hand. “I would be honored.”
Daniel took his hand, but then pulled Ronan in for a bear hug. It was an embrace that spoke a thousand words and meant the world to both men. Interrupted only by a shout from Pilolevu who stood at the end of the path to the shoreline.
“Would you two hurry up? We’re waiting!”
The men exchanged questioning looks. “Who’s waiting?”
“Hey, don’t ask me,” said Ronan.
They heard the crowd before they saw it. Daniel’s eyes widened as he ventured out from the forest and onto the malae. It seemed like the entire island had gathered in the early morning light to farewell him, as women and children in festive wear lined the walkway to the jetty.
“What’s all this?” said Daniel, stunned.
Ilisapesi appeared at his side. “You didn’t think we’d let you leave without a proper farewell, did you? You saved our island. And not only that, you are family. Our ocean brother. The very first one, of many I hope!” She waved her hands. “Come, everyone has gifts.”
It was like a procession of celebration. As he walked through the crowd, they came forward to place flower ula around his neck, and press gifts into his hands. Finely wrought shell pendants, pearl rings, an ornate elei cloak, titanium armor like that worn by the Guardians, and carved bone ornaments. There were warm smiles and hugs, whispered appreciation, ‘Thank you brother’ and ‘May our mother ocean always keep you safe in her embrace’.
Ronan walked alongside him, with a huge smile, and helping to carry all the presents. By the time they reached the jetty, Daniel could barely see over the piled shell and flower necklaces.
Ilisapesi held up her hands for quiet and the crowd hushed.
“Vasa Loloa, we gather here as the sun rises, to honor our ocean brother, Daniel Tahi – son of Salamasina, grandson of Tavake, son also of ocean guardian Moanasina. We pay tribute to his courage, honor and bravery as he wielded the Tangaloa Bone to protect us. Today marks a new day for all Telesā, as we forge a new path for our people, where ocean sisters and brothers can stand side by side, fight together, work together, and build a future together. This is the vision Daniel Tahi has brought us, and it’s one we accept as our challenge. What say you sisters?”
The assembly roared their approval and the children threw flowers.
“We farewell you now Daniel,” said Ilisapesi with a smile. “But we will see you again soon. Our shores are always open to you.”
Ronan threw an arm around his shoulders and shouted in his ear, over the cheering of the crowd. “You’ll have to come back to visit now! No excuses.”
Daniel was overcome with emotion as the boat left the jetty. Even the surly Tomasi couldn’t dampen Daniel’s mood. His joy mirrored the glory of the sunrise that painted the sky.
He had come to Tonga alone, virtually an orphan. No parents, cousins or relatives. No powers, and belonging to no covenant. Now he was leaving with an abundance of alofa. He was a son, a friend, a brother. He had a family. He had a people who claimed him as their own. He was Daniel Tahi, son of ocean, and the Bone Bearer.
And he was going home to his beloved.
Author’s Note
If you enjoyed this book, please consider taking a moment to leave a review on the retailer you purchased this book from and/or Goodreads. Even just a few short words can be a huge help to a book in search of an audience, and would mean the world to me. Faafetai lava!
- LANI YOUNG
About the Author
Lani is a Samoan and NZ Maori writer, editor, journalist and publisher. She is the 2018 ACP Pacific Laureate. When she’s not writing, Lani bakes cookies, talks to cats, and is the #BadWatergirl to her Ironman husband. She has five fabulous children who are her creative inspiration and constant headache. You can find more of her writing at http://www.laniwendtyoung.com/
Books by Lani Wendt Young
Telesā: The Covenant Keeper
When Water Burns
The Bone Bearer
I am Daniel Tahi
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Scarlet Lies
Scarlet Secrets
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Pacific Tsunami – Galu Afi
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Afakasi Woman: Collection of Short Fiction
Ocean's Kiss Page 19