Tuksook's Story, 35,000 BC

by Bonnye Matthews

  Hawk thought about it fast and said, “I would be honored to have you come with us, Elder. Yes, we can stop for you to gather the food you want. There is enough room for six People in the new boat. Do you want someone to help you gather the things you want?”

  Kiramuat, Hawk and Meg’s son, showed an interest in helping the elder.

  “Very well,” Hawk said, “Gel, Vole, Olog, our Elder Unmo, and Kiramuat will leave for the sea after the morning meal tomorrow.”

  From far away in the distance came the trumpet of a mammoth. And another. Then, all was quiet.

  Tuksook asked, “Is there anyone who wishes to add anything to this council?”

  Silence.

  Tuksook said, “I have something to add. Today, I found the next Wise One. She is very young, but she knows the stories that I have asked her to tell. The next Wise One is Mi.”

  Mi was sitting behind her mother, Lamo. She lowered her head as far as it would go.

  “Mi, stand up,” Tuksook said.

  “Take a good look at her, so you know who she is. I ask that all of you guard her, as you guard me. Keep her safe so that the stories remain intact.”

  Awk was shocked. The little seemingly scattered sister of his would be the new Wise One?

  “Does anyone wish to speak?”

  The People looked at each other showing a happiness that a new Wise One was identified, but among them was silence.

  Tuksook began, “The story I have to tell tonight is a very old one.” Tuksook began the story taking them back in time to a long ago that they could only imagine, but a story, which applied to their lives as if it occurred where and when they lived. After the story, the People dispersed to their sleeping places.

  After the morning meal the next day, Hawk gathered Vole, Gel, Olog, and Kiramuat together. Unmo came at a slower pace. The younger men rapidly transported their few needs to the boat. They took the hunter sleeping rolls from the storage in the bent tree house, water skins the women had filled, and the jerky to the boat. Vole checked on the ropes and camping materials they’d need. When they all gathered at the boat, Hawk did a final check. He noticed the little sail had acquired a small hole. That would not present a problem for the sailing, but it was something to watch. He was proud of Pica and Meha who had listened to the stories, talked to those who remembered the sea crossing, and taught themselves to weave the sail to hold air. The sail was very helpful to the rowers, especially on the way back, when rowing against the river’s current with a heavy drag from sea aurochs challenged the strongest man.

  Unmo climbed into the boat and sat where Hawk had told him was his place, the very far forward position. The others pushed the boat out as far as they could go without losing their footing. Then they entered the boat and paddled out to the current. They were off. Each fishing occasion was an adventure to Hawk. He loved to see the wider aspect of Eagle’s Grasp whether he was hunting or fishing.

  The men made good time, stopping overnight to sleep in lean-tos and cook over the fire the meat the women had cut up for them. They no longer carried sleeping skins from their bench/sleeping places, but rather used rolled sets of sleeping skins, all the same, that were specifically designed for hunter travels. Hunter sleeping rolls were stored in the south part of the building when not in use. It was easier that way, and hunters who were joined didn’t have to search to find skins they could use. They found it gratifying that each time they stopped at their camping place, the same logs were available for the lean-tos. It made camping so much easier than it had been years ago.

  Gel and Olog began to set up the lean-tos. Unmo took the birch water carrier to the river to fill it. Hawk started the hearth. Vole and Kiramuat began to accumulate wood for the fire. Very quickly the little camp was set up. The men ate and then entered the lean-tos to sleep. There was very little talk.

  In the morning, the men packed their things in the boat, stacked the logs where they would stand to await their next stay, and they pushed the boat out to go to sea. Already there was a scent of the tangy sea. It was refreshing, invigorating to Hawk and Vole, who loved the sea.

  Once they cleared the river’s entry into the sea, they headed west. Already they could see mounds of kelp on shore. They beached the boat briefly to let Unmo and Kiramuat out with their grass bags for carrying sea creatures.

  Just as Hawk, Vole, Gel, Olog, Kiramuat, and Unmo were about to push the boat back to the sea, Unmo said, “Wait! What’s that?” He pointed west.

  Off in the distance a boat was sailing. Unmo squinted. “I believe that’s one of ours!” he shouted.

  Hawk and Vole looked at each other. How could an elder like Unmo have better far off vision than they had? Or, was he guessing? They wondered.

  Hawk decided not to push off until they knew the significance of the boat. He didn’t want the men separated.

  “Should we remain here or hide ourselves? There are likely more men on the boat than the six of us.” Vole voiced the concern of several of them.

  “I tell you they are our People. You know they travel the sea circle each year. They make stops to check on the People and sometimes to trade things. Who else would be out here?” Unmo was adamant.

  Wave looked at the man. “Who else, indeed? Have you forgotten that Wikroak came up our river?”

  “No, but Wikroak didn’t have a boat like ours. Look at that. It’s exactly like the one that brought us here.” Unmo was very excited.

  They sat on the beach while the boat came closer and closer. It was clear that the men on the boat had spotted them. The boatmen brought the boat as near the shore as they dared and dropped anchors. Unmo recognized one of the boatmen.

  “Huaga!” he shouted as loud as he could.

  A swarthy man with white hair that shielded his eyes from the sun looked at the men on shore.

  “Unmo?” he asked.

  “I am Unmo,” he replied. “Come to shore for a little time before you’re on your way.”

  Huaga turned to talk to some of the People on the boat. Four People entered a small boat used for boat-to-land travel, usually to obtain fresh water. Huaga was one of them. Unmo was very excited. Hawk and Vole were prepared for whatever would take place. They were both aware that the times were changing and that the time of peace would one day change to the time of war. They would be vigilant despite the old man’s enthusiasm.

  The little boat beached. The two old men walked toward each other. They stood face-to-face and then hugged.

  “It has been so long,” Unmo said.

  “It has,” Huaga agreed.

  “How are the People?” Unmo asked.

  “If you can imagine, the drought worsens. We have lost many People.”

  “We have lost the usual number from age and injury or sickness. But we have a good life here. There is plenty for all of us. The rest of the People should migrate.”

  “You know they will not leave the old land. This talk is stale.”

  “I know, but I wish they’d reconsider. Ileg?” Unmo asked.

  “He died long ago, Unmo. I’m sorry to bring such knowledge. Midgenemo and Ottu?”

  “Both in the ground. Sorry.”

  “If I were young and not a boatman, I would migrate here. The green speaks of life and warms my heart. As it is, we who take the boats are the fortunate ones. We do not face the drought all the time.”

  “Huaga, when’s the last time you had aurochs?”

  “More years than I can remember.”

  “Before you leave you can fish for sea aurochs. It doesn’t take long. The meat tastes better than aurochs and they are easy to catch if you have a couple of men who can withstand cold water. They are very hard to skin. Do you have sharp knives? The skin is tough!”

  “You suggest to me that there would be boatmen who couldn’t withstand cold water or have sharp knives?”

  “I’m sorry, Huaga. We become soft here,” Unmo said to Huaga with resignation. Then he turned to Hawk. “Hawk, would you permit a couple of the boatmen to g
o with you while you fish for the sea aurochs? These People have had little good meat for a long time. They could take a couple of these fish with them to eat as they travel.”

  “Yes, but you’ll have to be ready to leave when we return.”

  “I’ll forgo my collecting, if that’s necessary,” Unmo assured him. “I’ll be ready.”

  “While they watch your men fish, I’ll help you collect,” Huaga volunteered.

  “Good. There will be three of us.”

  Hawk pushed off with the two boatmen as observers. Unmo, Huaga, and Kiramuat quickly began to scan the rocks for limpets. With their sharp knives, they were able to secure just the leverage needed to separate the tightly stuck limpets from the rocks. Limpets were everywhere. The limpets were surprisingly large ones. A single shell came close to filling the palm of the men who separated them from the rocks where they busily ate algae.

  On the little boat Hawk pointed out the connection between the kelp on shore and the dark body down in the water. He told the strangers to watch what they did to capture the sea aurochs. He explained that they had to tie the rope around the tail of the sea aurochs, tighten it, and then start to row while the fishers swam fast to the boat. The men watched. When Hawk entered the water, so did the men. They wanted a better view of the fishing.

  Hawk was alarmed that the strangers had entered the water, but he was relieved that they had climbed in the boat quickly, ready to row. The men weren’t even shivering. They seemed completely comfortable. Hawk headed back to pick up Unmo.

  By the time the boat returned, the men had collected three grass bags full of limpets and sea snails. Unmo and Huaga hugged, both realizing it would probably be the last time they saw each other. Unmo and Kiramuat walked to their boat, and they began to row to the river.

  On the recommendation of Unmo, Huaga had his People fish for two sea aurochs. They would have tasty meat on their travel.

  Hawk and Vole began to warm as they rowed. All had the meeting prominent in their mind webs. Hawk found it hard to understand why People would remain in a terrible drought when they could migrate to lands like theirs. It made him sad for People he didn’t really know. He smiled to think of their eating sea aurochs. As good as that meat was, Hawk was certain that even that wouldn’t cause those who chose to stay in the old land to move.

  Unmo’s belly ached for those who clung to the old land. He couldn’t just dismiss them. They were People, some of whom he knew. They had the same heritage he had. It was just so unnecessary in his opinion. He took the bags of limpets and put them into a bag of seawater. They should be fine, he thought, until they returned to the meadow.

  There was a little off shore breeze and the sail caught. They rowed, but it was a lot easier when the wind pushed the sail. They had a good catch and brought it to the People with information all would want to hear. They arrived very early, just in time for the morning meal.

  Back in the meadow, the People had been hearing distant mammoth trumpeting all morning. Togomoo and Hamaklob had walked to the meadow where the People found the rocks they moved. After climbing a small hill, they could see numbers of mammoths walking around, appearing disturbed for some reason that they could not determine. Although they listened carefully, they could hear no noise from a predator that might be planning a kill.

  It was well past high sun and suddenly to the surprise of all, there was thrashing noise coming from the south meadow. Everyone headed quickly for the bent tree house. Hunters stood guard at the entrances of the bent tree house, watching from the outermost leather strips that served as entryways. At the entryway, there were three leather hangings all parallel, offset so that the wind could not blow cold air into the house. They hung from the top of the opening to the ground. People wanting to go outside from the west entryway had to walk between the inner leather strip and the middle one heading north. Then they had to turn to walk south between the inner leather and the outside one. Then they’d turn east to leave the structure.

  The mammoths trumpeted as they entered the meadow. People scattered to the bent tree house. Those butchering the sea aurochs, young men who transported the meat, girls who were making strips to hang, ran in disorganized paths unsure whether to leave their work or race to the bent tree house. Hunters watched the mammoths, spears ready, hoping they didn’t have to use them. They were outsized if not outnumbered. The animals seemed unsure what to do in the meadow. There were mammoths of all sizes and ages mingling in the meadow. The dogs were hackled up and growling low. Mammoths would look at them with eyes big enough to show white. Then they’d turn on a back foot and head away from them. After a very long time, the mammoths headed down the path to the river level. Those cutting up the sea aurochs on that level hid behind trees to avoid the creatures. The hunters watched for a long time. They expected a predator was following the mammoths, but they had no idea what predator it might be.

  The women decided to prepare the evening meal for inside cooking and consumption. The savor of freshly caught salmon baking under the ground filled the home. Early on girls had gathered greens and some berries. This would be a special meal.

  Men who were not watching spent time with an ear to the entryway, spears close at hand, and some work in their hands, generally work that did not require significant concentration.

  Top, Kiramuat and Pica’s youngest son, pulled on Unmo’s tunic. Unmo turned to look at the boy.

  “What’s that noise?” Top asked.

  “Mammoths,” Unmo answered abruptly.

  “I mean the other noise,” Top persisted.

  Unmo stared at the boy. He didn’t hear a different noise. Because of the boy’s intensity, Unmo didn’t dismiss the question again. He looked at Top. “Bring Awk here,” he told the little one.

  Top turned and walked quickly to the south part of the house where he found Awk.

  “Unmo wants you to come,” Top told Awk.

  Awk gave the People who heard a quizzical look, but he followed the little one to Unmo.

  Unmo turned to Awk, “You are known for having good hearing. Top wants to know what the other noise is—a noise that is not the mammoths. I can hear none other.”

  Awk went to the part of the entryway that led outside. He stood in the open and his expression, had anyone seen it, would have been of surprise. He returned to Unmo.

  “I hear the noise of People, People singing. It makes no sense to me. The mammoths seem to have moved to the north. Otherwise, I hear the dogs growling in low voices and bird tunes.”

  Unmo turned to his mind web. He found four options: Wikroak, the boatmen, some people they didn’t know, and nobody. His desperate hope was that the sound came from the boatmen.

  “Thank you Awk,” Unmo said. “Please ask Stencellomak to come here.”

  Awk lowered his head, turned, and went to find Stencellomak.

  Unmo turned to Top. “You have very good hearing little one. Thank you for telling me what your ears heard.”

  Top lowered his head.

  Stencellomak found Unmo at the west entryway.

  “You asked me to come?”

  “Yes, Stencellomak, Top alerted me that there is a strange noise outside. Awk verified it and said it sounded like People. Would you please go to the edge to assess what may be the cause of the noise that I cannot hear?

  “Of course. I need my spears.” Stencellomak picked up his spears and asked Wave to accompany him. Wave took his spears and joined Stencellomak.

  “We are going outside to see what the source of the noise is. In case I cannot hear it, I want your ears. They’re better than mine.”

  “Probably nothing,” Wave replied.

  “You could be right.”

  The two men reached the west entryway and went straight outside. They looked carefully to see whether a stray mammoth might still be in the area, but saw and smelled nothing out of the ordinary. They walked quickly across the meadow to the edge.

  “Could that be? Surely, it isn’t? I’m certain now.” Wave sa
id. His jaw muscles reflected his tension.

  “What would the boatmen be doing in our river? And where are the mammoths?” Stencellomak asked.

  “The mammoths must have gone north and rounded the curve to our right. I can still hear them, but they are a good distance away. We should be free to come out from the house.”

  “Would you alert the women at the food preparation area that we may be in need of more food this evening and let those at the entryways know we have a boat arriving? We need to show them where we are. I’ll watch.”

  “I’ll return when I have done as you asked,” Wave replied. With that he ran across the meadow.

  “Unmo, it seems the boatmen are coming up the river. The house should be free now to return outside,” Stencellomak said, turning to walk to the food preparation area.

  Stencellomak walked over to the women where he let them know that there might be a need for more food for the evening meal, and that he’d let them know as soon as he knew. Unmo whistled the hunter—come alert. Hunters came, spears in hand.

  “It seems that the boatmen are coming up the river,” he informed them. We need to free those hiding in the house since the mammoths are gone, and we need to let the boatmen know where we are.” Unmo whistled the all clear sound that told the People in the house that they could return outside.

  Wave, returned back from the women, said, “I’ll take a small boat out to meet them.”

  “I’ll join you,” Unmo said.

  Wave and Unmo wasted no time. They went quickly to the small boat and pushed out into the deeper water.

  People poured from the house. Girls went off to gather more greens. Elfa, who had turned over the care of the dogs to younger girls, went to the dogs to quiet them. They knew her as their leader though others fed them.

  Tuksook went outside with Gumui. They walked together to the meadow’s edge where they could see between the trees. They saw the large boat turning at the curve in the river some distance from them. She wondered what would bring a boat up the river. The boatmen had already met with the hunters who just recently fished for sea aurochs. It was a long distance to row to their meadow. Tuksook thought the boatmen must have a significant reason for their deviation.