Birth of the Chosen One

by Roger Kenworthy

  “Just as I have crossed over the fire pit, I have crossed over to the Otherworld with our spirits. I have traveled the pathway that leads to the Otherworld, the world where our spirits live, where our ancestors live. I have been with the wise ones; talked with the wise ones and have words from the wise ones to pass along to you.”

  The shaman stood silently; it appeared that he waited for the words from the spirits to share with his clan. His body swayed; right, left, right, left…a guttural moan escaped his closed lips. His eyes rolled back within his head. After a moment they popped open; he looked startled as if he had just descended from the skies into the crowd before him. He continued to encircle the family; to capture them…to free them.

  “The lands belong to the spirits; the skies belong to the spirits; the waters belong to the spirits. You belong to the spirits. While our fathers and mothers gave us our flesh as a result of their union, the spirits gave us our souls. They give us a life after this life. Since the wise ones are our spiritual mothers and fathers, we must respect them, we must care for them as they care for us. We must respect our lands; we must respect our skies; we must respect our waters. We must care for the lands; we must care for the skies; we must care for the waters. The spirits are entrusted with our souls; and they have entrusted us to live with reverence for them.”

  No one spoke a word…even the youngest of the children muted their cries.

  More sacred powder…more sacred smoke. More theatrics. Narizon shook his rattle in one hand as he beat his drum in the other. He chanted, moved about as an imprisoned lion would. Eyes bulged out. Veins swollen in his arms. Hair flew about. His feet spun around, and the soft dirt formed a dusty funnel around him.

  “It is our duty to obey the spirits; it is our duty to listen to the spirits; and it is our duty to abide by their wishes even though they may be punitive, hurtful, and uncompassionate; obligation to them and for them. But, this message has been abandoned by some of those who sit here as the sun kisses his wife.”

  Heads spun this way and that, each person wondering who would commit such a sanctimonious act as irreverence and disrespect of the land, sky, and water spirits.

  “There are those amongst us who have not shown respect and reverence for the spirits…how arrogant, how imprudent. A hunter curses the spirits for returning to the cave empty handed; a woman curses the spirits when her newborn son is taken by the spirits the same day; a gray-haired elder curses the spirits because his body shivers in a cold cave. There are more, but these will suffice to show what we think and what we say about our wise ones. This is why the spirits were saddened as the moon shined down upon us; this is why the spirits are saddened as the sun shined down upon us…we have not shown reverence and respect for them.”

  Narizon’s bent body stood erect at this moment; he towered over the masses as they sat upon the earthen floor.

  “We must honor our ancestors as we honor the spirits. We can honor those who have lived and have now passed by our actions. Actions that show our feelings of respect and reverence for those who have left us, and for those who watch over us. Actions that show our disrespect for the spirits can only anger the spirits. Do you believe that the spirits have closed eyes? Do you think that they do not see your actions and hear your words? They are everywhere; they are in the rocks that form our cave; they are in the waters that we drink; and they are in the beasts that we eat.”

  A hunter was about to speak, but Narizon held up his hand and put it across his mouth. The hunter obeyed.

  “We must do what is best for the clan, and we must not do what is best just for one of us. The spirits say that the cave, our home, is unclean…it has been defiled by what some of our clan believe and say about the spirits. We need to right the wrong by leaving our home and finding a new one. We must move and move before the moon shows its full face to the world again.”

  There was a universal gasp of horror. That day was only as the number of fingers on a hand.

  “Yes…leave our home. This is the way to lift the black clouds of hunger and misfortune from our future. We must leave these changes behind. We must begin a new life where the spirits tell us to live. If we do not obey them, they shall bring more tears to our family.”

  With those final words, the shaman sat back down, exhausted by his words and actions. He completed his task assigned to him by the wise ones. Now, it was the clan’s turn to voice their opinion.

  All mouths were opened…but unable to form any words. The spirits’ message left the clan members numb…leave their home? Aon finally had the courage to begin the dialogue that would decide their future.

  “I, Aon, have lived a long time and can’t move. Many seasons have passed since my father held me to the sky spirits and proclaimed his love and devotion for me. Our ancestors have been with us from the Otherworld; what would they do if we were no longer here to greet them each day? Who would be here to give them gifts of food and flowers? They would no longer be the guardians of our souls; they would cease to exist since we wouldn’t live amongst them every season.”

  The cave was silent; you could have heard an awl drop upon the soft earth around our feet.

  “I too love the spirits, and believe they are here with us as our ancestors are. They help our hunters bring us food; they help us when sickness visits the cave; and they help us to walk down the pathway to the other world. Still, how can we possibly leave our only home of many seasons, and in only as many days as there are fingers upon our hands? There must be a way to solve this problem without leaving our ancestral home? I am confident that they will change their words when we make offerings and gifts to them.”

  There was a nod here and there at Aon’s suggestion to placate the spirits with gifts from the clan.

  “Yes, that’s what we should do! Let’s have an enormous celebration and provide the finest beasts, the brightest flowers, and the most exquisite furs to the land, sky, and water spirits. We can celebrate for many moons. We can sing songs to the spirits. We can dance to the spirits. And I know deep within me, with Narizon and Dona leading us in song and dance, that the spirits shall change their minds. They’ll see we are indeed pious and loving…this’ll make them happy and allow us to remain here in the only home we have ever known.”

  Aon nodded that she had ended her words.

  “Thank you, Aon. Clan members…you have witnessed Aon’s words; now you must keep them in mind as we listen to others and what they believe is best for us. Next, Leor, the great hunter can share his ideas with us about what the clan should do in the face of our latest dilemma.”

  “Thank you, Tusik. I agree with Aon; we raised our children here. I buried my mother and father here; buried my mother’s father and my father’s mother too. Look, behind you are their remains. They are here with us and they watch over us as we prepare to hunt by day, and to sleep at night. They watch as we defend our wives, elders, and children. They’ll be displeased but we’ll also be displeased.”

  All eyes were upon Leor…he was a trusted soul who would do what was right in his eyes to help the family survive.

  “I believe the way we get the attention of the spirits is to sing and dance as Aon spoke of earlier. We can divert their focus by what we have to give, spiritually and physically. Our feast shall appease their physical pleasures. Our dance shall appease their spiritual pleasures. Our song shall appease their physical and spiritual pleasures. There is no need to leave our home when we sacrifice our most important thing we have to ensure our clan continues to live in these lands.”

  “Anything else to say, great hunter?”

  “Yes…just that we can have what we want, and that is love for the spirits that surround us in every task, and stay in our home that houses our history. A long history of joy and sadness; tears and laughter; and plenty and scarcity. We must stay…this is best for our families. Who’ll take care of the ones who we have loved and have left this world to live with the spirits?” He nodded that his words of support for Aon’s ideas were co
mplete.

  “Thank you, Leor, may the ears of the clan be open to what you say, and may the spirits agree with the plans that you and Aon propose. Now, Bundan …the clan awaits your words.”

  Bundan voiced his decision, but it was contrary to what Aon and Leor believed was best for the clan. As he spoke his mind, some members shook their heads in disagreement while many more agreed.

  “Aon and Leor, loved and respected family members; I have heard what you feel is the best for our clan, and I must disagree with your suggestions. Have we not just heard what our powerful shaman has said about why we face such difficulties? Has he not said we shall continue to face difficulties in the future as well? We must obey the spirits, even if we don’t agree with what they have shared with our wise one. We must do what we are asked of from the spirits…we are their children and as their children we don’t always know what is best for us. Do your children know the way to live without learning from their parents? They, however, are the wisest of the wise. The noblest of the noble. The most benevolent of the benevolent. Why do we question what they say is the best for us?”

  Bundan stopped himself from saying more…he just looked at each member, trying to get an answer for this latest question. No one responded, rather, many sets of eyes gazed down at the earthen floor, feeling a sense of guilt for questioning what the spirits had shared with Narizon.

  The brave hunter thought; how could they not agree with the spirits and their wishes for the clan to survive while facing less misery and sadness. When they realize this truth, they must comply, but it would be too late, tears would flow like a river after the long winter season. “My words are finished.”

  “Thank you, Bundan. Now, Fona, you’re next to speak your mind.”

  “Tusik, clan members…I am old and have only known this home; all of you can leave, and when you do I shall die here. I want to die where I lived. I have a solution to our problem…those who spoke unwisely of the spirits must go; they must be responsible for their words and actions so that the rest of the clan can remain here, here where we belong.”

  “Yes…good, tell us who they are shaman, so they are held responsible for their actions!” There was a general uproar as the many wished to know the few who provoked the anger of the spirits.

  Narizon merely shook his head; he would not divulge who the unwise ones were…he did so because he thought the clan must obey the wishes of the spirits and not attempt to circumvent the decision made by the wise ones. No one dared challenge him.

  “Fona, thank you for your suggestion. Now, let us hear what path Seeress Dona believes we should travel along. Seeress, may you share your wisdom with the clan? We know that you have been with the spirits in their lands for many seasons, and we all agree that your wisdom is needed to help us make a very difficult decision…a decision that could end with many tears shed. Tears for leaving our home and tears for not leaving our home. Speak, please.”

  A thin bag of bones began to speak as she sat on her matted fur. “Tusik, may the spirits of the lands, skies, and waters keep you safe; keep your family safe; and keep the clan safe. Narizon, may the spirits of the lands, skies, and waters keep you safe; keep you in good favor; and forever be useful in their eyes. Children, brothers and sisters…may each of you be kept safe; kept healthy; and kept happy until the day comes when you join our wise and noble ancestors.”

  The families’ voice became one. “And may the spirits keep you safe Dona, and help you be a wise seeress of the clan for many more seasons.”

  “Thank you. I am an old woman who has lived many, many seasons, and has seen many, many things…good and bad. While my skin is deeply furrowed, and blackened with age, nevertheless, I can still say what I believe to be the truth. I have been listening to each voice here today, and it troubles me deeply that there are doubts about what the spirits say to us to be kept safe and to live long. The spirits tell us to move; this is not a request, this is not a suggestion …this is a demand to move from a home that has been tainted by the words and actions of some of our family members. Do not make the mistake that the spirits shall close their eyes and open their hearts and souls to our celebrations. They have made their expectations known. No matter how elaborate…with countless beasts offered to them, or how long we celebrate…it can be an uncounted number of moons, still, they have told us that we should move. And that’s what we should do. Can’t you see that by attempting to bribe them, your actions are just as disrespectful as what the few have said and done to initially anger the spirits? We shall move, and without haste, and it is best for our future that we make no attempt to sway the decision that has been made by the spirits.”

  “Dona, thank you. Forest Clan members, we have not heard from our eldest, our grandfather Tosak. What is your view, and what would you suggest we do as a family?”

  “Tusik, I thank you for allowing this old mouth to speak words that you and others may not want to hear. I have travelled many seasons and through all my time here living within the lands, I have never turned my back on the spirits, or my family. I have seen death and hardship; I have seen joy and prosperity, even though there have been good and bad times, I have never turned my back upon those who gave me life and those that shall extend my life after I have taken my final step within these lands. We must not turn our backs upon the spirits; to do so is to turn your back on the family, your parents, and your ancestors. Heed their words…they have every reason to be disappointed with the acts of a few of our family members. I have traveled the lands for as many seasons as Seeress Dona, and I must agree with her…we must not try to persuade the spirits to change what they have demanded of our clan. We cannot win, and shall not win at any game we play with the spirits.”

  All was quiet.

  “I, Tusik, as the leader of the Forest Clan now must ask of you…we have heard from you and it is now time to decide if we stay and disobey the spirits or do we leave and obey our guardians?”

  Leor spoke first. “I see a compromise here Tusik; let us make our celebration, go about our regular life, and then search for a new cave. Let’s not rush into leaving and moving into a new home. There are many things we must consider. What do we do with our ancestor’s? What about the many statues that have been carved over the many, many seasons our family has lived in this cave? How do we move our things; our tools, weapons, and furs?”

  There was general agreement with Leor.

  “Clan members…you have spoken and as your leader must follow your decision. I disagree, but the family has voiced its decision. I hope that the spirits are compassionate towards what we have decided to do here this day.”

  Narizon sat with an expressionless face; he knew that retribution for disobedience would occur and quickly. He stood-up, gathered his fur and other worldly goods together under his arms, and slowly walked out into the cool chill of the night. As he made his way to the uninviting lands he vowed to himself, as the spirits were his witness, that he would never step one foot into the cave again. He would obey the wise ones…he never looked back.

  Life went on a usual for the clan…it seemed that if the family didn’t face the problem it didn’t exist.

  The sun had caressed the lands for a handful of days, the moon hid its face, and then the clouds appeared from the plains to encircle the cave. The family was held captive. The thick, black curtain grew larger as it enveloped the lands as far as the eye could see. The wind howled, the beasts sought shelter, and the trees bent down on their knees by the force of dread delivered by the spirits. The sky spirits released their fury down upon us.

  “Johar, I have seen many storms, but this one is different. It appears to me that the spirits want to inflict their wrath upon us. Punish us for our disobedience. Our tears shall flow like the rivers after the cold season…I am certain of this.”

  “The spirits haven’t abandoned us yet. My husband, we have food to eat and bones to burn…we can stay inside for a least three days before we run out of meat for our children and heat for our fires
. Fear not, the spirits shall smile down upon us again. They wish to get our attention, to open our eyes and our hearts to their wishes. The clan shall survive.”

  “I hope that you’re right, and that the spirits allow the sun to shine down upon us again, and soon!”

  But it was not to be. It rained in torrents for days so that we couldn’t see past the line of bushes just outside the cave. The valley below the cave was awash with rainwater. Small streams of water rushed down the pathways where we walked to the river. They joined the others and formed larger streams that unearthed rocks and small boulders, washed them wildly across the lands, ripping out trees, and flattening hills low and high. The waterfall thundered loudly, as if to reprimand us for our impudence. The lands bled, scarred high and low.

  While the outside our home suffered from the anger of the spirits, we remained dry and fed. We reduced the amount everyone ate so we could have more time before a new hunting party had to set out to kill a beast. We all made a sacrifice to ensure we all had meat to sustain us. The fires kept us warm; there was at least two more sunrises before our supply ran out. It had never rained and stormed for more than a few days at one time, so, we were confident that the spirits would stop the rain and foul weather soon to allow us to resume our normal lives…hunting game and collecting firewood.

  Bundan walked to the cave entrance with father to examine what the spirits were doing before the clan settled down for the night.

  “Bundan, look, the rains continue to fall upon the lands and the paths are washed away from the cave. How much can we bear before our misery ends?”

  “Brother, why are you surprised? The spirits already gave Narizon our way to end all that plagues the family, but we were so arrogant to disobey them, and now…we must receive what we deserve. The end…that is an answer only the spirits have. Perhaps, when we have shed enough tears and felt enough sadness in our hearts, we shall find the end.”