Communicating had been difficult because Oi’yan had to guess at many of the words that Sunflower tried to relay with hand signs, but she would never forget how the girl explained the first breath of life. Sunflower told Oi’yan a story of First Man and First Woman and their children. The memory rushed through Oi’yan’s mind in an instant.
First Man and First Woman brought many children into the world. However, their first child was born quiet and still and when First Woman saw him lying lifeless upon his birthing place she scooped him up and pressed his still form against her breast. When he didn’t respond, she breathed life into his small body.
Oi’yan lifted her son, so perfectly formed and pushed her finger into his mouth to clear the way. She pressed his small body against her breasts and she willed the warmth of her own body into her child. She whispered into her child’s mouth that he should live and still the child didn’t cry out.
With a cry of denial, she turned the child upside down and slapped his feet and as if by agreement, the child let out a lusty wail. Oi’yan trembled with thanksgiving as she slid to her knees and silently thanked the Great One of All Things for the birth of their son.
Just then, Kahm returned with joy lighting his eyes. Oi’yan handed over her son as she watched Kahm embrace the child with strong, protective arms. She allowed herself to rest only after burying the after birth in a secret place. Deep into the night Kahm sat by her side, holding their firstborn son close to his heart.
When dawn broke, Kahm looked at Oi’yan’s sleeping form and he knew that he couldn’t leave her. She was utterly exhausted and defenseless.
She held their son snugly against her breast, even while she rested. Kahm closed his eyes as his thoughts drifted toward Sunflower and Talon.
He stared into the fire as if it would speak to him of the future, but his questions remained unanswered. He could only hope that Situ didn’t betray Talon’s trust and that Miche would stand in his place and protect both Talon and Sunflower.
Miche opened his eyes and immediately focused on the lodge in front of him. Sunflower stood before him with tears in her eyes. She looked directly at him and nodded her head once as her hands moved in silent communication.
Situ stood as his heart raced in fear. He looked from Sunflower to Miche, yet no words had been spoken.
“He is awake.” Miche finally gave voice to the words that Sunflower signed. “Talon lives.”
Those quiet words set off cheers from Situ and Wiope as word quickly spread throughout the village. Dusk was soon to fall and this would be the second day that the whale’s body rested upon the sandy beach.
Miche went inside in answer to Sunflower’s beckoning hands and he spoke in low tones to Talon. His eyes were bright with the last vestiges of fever, but he was awake and he held his sister’s hand for one moment in silent appreciation.
Talon shifted so that he could look into Sunflower’s shining eyes. “You saved me from almost certain death.”
Talon nodded in understanding as Sunflower explained that Kahm was with Oi’yan. His arm hung limply at his side even as it burned with terrible pain, but he told himself that if he had to give one arm so that his village might survive another season, then so be it.
Miche leaned close as Talon spoke in low tones and then he nodded decisively as he quickly left the lodge.
“Light the fires!” Miche’s voice rang out as the crowd outside of Talon’s lodge waited in anxious expectation. They would butcher the whale and each family would receive a share. Talon would have the honor of making the first cut.
Situ walked on legs that felt hollow to the entrance flap of Talon’s lodge and he scratched once before entering. He was surprised to see Talon awake and talking with Sunflower. The girl looked up at him with wide eyes that swirled with hidden secrets. Situ met her gaze and then looked away respectfully.
“Talon.” Situ found that it was difficult to speak as he looked into Talon’s enigmatic eyes. His left arm was wrapped with a clean doeskin cloth and the smell of pungent herbs filled the small lodge.
“With Sarnom’s departure we have lost Chumal, our village war leader.” Talon’s voice was measured as he sipped more of the healing brew prepared by Sunflower.
Situ remained silent as he remembered Chumal’s face as the man aimed his spear at one of his own warriors. Chumal had taken Matiye’s life without a second thought.
“We will need to choose a new war leader, a man that is honest and fair, but willing to bend.” Talon regarded Situ steadily. “I have chosen you as the war leader of the Hokum Village. You have proven to be a man worthy of my trust.”
“I cannot accept such a lofty position.” Situ bowed his head as Talon shifted so that he could look into his eyes. “I am not worthy of the honor that you seek to bestow upon me. In the past, there were times when I could have stepped in and yet, I didn’thing.” Situ felt his insides tremble with deep regret over his past actions.
“You did all that you could, even as I hunted the whale, you were with me.” Talon recognized Situ’s deep remorse and he knew that he had made the right decision.
“We abandoned you to the Great Water.”
“As I remember it, I saw a storm bearing down upon us just as I leapt into the churning water.” Talon had made the decision to go after the whale despite the risk to his own life and he didn’t regret his decision.
“We searched for you and then the storm took our boat and cast us aside as if we were nothing.” Situ remembered the astonishment that he felt when he realized that they were still alive. He also remembered the deep well of grief that he had experienced when Talon was taken by the Great Water.
“The past is behind us, Situ. We must be strong enough to look forward.” Talon had made mistakes of his own and he refused to cast blame. “You have proven your allegiance and you are the best person to lead our warriors.”
Situ was silent for a long time as he saw the formidable strength of will reflected in Talon’s steady gaze. “It will be as you say.”
Talon grunted as he uncrossed his legs. “The people will celebrate with much ceremony. This is the path that we have chosen to walk, forever into the dawn.”
Talon approached the whale as the villagers stood back in awe. Yesterday, onlookers had come to see the great sea beast. Talon didn’t know the words to speak over such a great kill. He signaled overhead and Miche raised both palms to the sky and said words in a language that was foreign to the Hokum Village.
A shiver passed through Talon’s body as Miche’s eyes opened and sunlight burst forth from the gray clouds above. The villagers sighed and murmured in hushed whispers. At another signal from Talon, Situ waved to the men to take up the tempo of his sealskin drums. It seemed that the heart of the village rested in the rising cadence of sound.
Talon approached the whale and reminded himself that this was an animal just like any other. The ache in his arm dissipated until it was merely a dull throb. He slid his hunter’s knife free and lifted it high overhead as the crowd swayed to the rhythm set by the village drums.
“We offer our thanksgiving and appreciation for the life that has been given so that we might survive. The hunting of the whale will prove to be the salvation of our village!”
He made the first cut and after a few moments of tense expectation, he held up a slice of the whale meat for all to see. The people cheered as he signaled for the men to take part in the spoils of the hunt.
Talon made certain that the meat was fairly dispensed amongst the families present. By partaking of the whale, the people recognized that they were shifting their footsteps to walk along the new path that had been forged for them. Each person turned to Talon and placed a fist over their heart in a show of solidarity. It was Talon that brought them the whale and it was Talon that had taken his rightful place as the leader of the Hokum Village.
In the small lodge nestled in the heart of the village, Talon stirred. His arm throbbed in pain but he didn’t allow his discomfort to show upon
his face. Sunflower smiled kindly at him as she placed a cool cloth upon his brow.
She signed two new words to him that he didn’t at first understand. She narrowed her eyes and then tried again. It was obvious to Talon that she fully expected him to recognize the new hand signs and then it dawned on him that she honored him with praise as only a younger sister could.
“Whale Hunter!”
Talon allowed pride to shine in his eyes for a moment. It humbled him to know that Sunflower wholeheartedly believed in him.
“Talon.” Miche spoke in greeting as he entered the lodge. The unseen link between Talon and his sister reminded him of the bond of brotherhood that he shared with Kahm.
He intended to watch over Talon and Sunflower while the rest of the village celebrated the successful whale hunt. The men would see to it that every part of the whale was used, including the bones and even the skin. Earlier in the day, Talon gave the men clear instructions regarding the way in which the whale should be treated and he knew that they would honor his words.
“I will return to the celebration, now that I have rested, but you must accompany me.” Talon spoke despite the silent protest coming from Sunflower. He wouldn’t allow her to shy away from the people of their village, any longer.
Talon didn’t ask Sunflower if he would ever regain the use of his arm. It was a question that she couldn’t answer and he wouldn’t place the burden of his injury upon her, only time would tell if he would ever regain full strength in his left arm.
With Miche at his side, Talon made his way to the beach where his people celebrated.
“I cannot help but wonder where Sarnom has gone.” Talon said.
“He is not the type of man that will simply fade into the background. Situ and the other warriors understand the danger of allowing Sarnom to return.” Miche looked Talon in the eye as he spoke.
“If they do not find shelter and food, then they will starve over the cold season.” Talon’s mouth twisted grimly as he thought of the women and children that had accompanied Sarnom.
“It is a difficult thing to be a leader of men. Remember that there is not always a right and wrong choice.”
Talon acknowledged Miche’s words as they crested a hill. Sunflower trailed in their wake, but Talon kept a watchful eye on his sister, as did Miche. The villagers below looked up and saw their new leader, standing strong, despite his injured arm. A great cheer went up as the people welcomed Talon and he blessed them with a triumphant shout in return.
Situ was the first man to shout Talon’s name in a loud voice. Talon was stunned by the open display of loyalty. The sound of the chant shouted by the men drowned out all thought. “Talon! Talon! Talon!”
They called his name in one voice in a show of allegiance. Each man spoke the name of the rightful leader of the Hokum Village and they didn’t mourn the departure of Sarnom.
“If you and your sister were not safe here, then I would remain with you.” Miche spoke to Talon over the fire that blazed outside of their lodge. Several days had passed and Sarnom and those with him had not returned.
“I ask only that you wait until Kahm returns and then we will journey with you.” Talon responded.
Whether he knew it or not, Miche’s grim expression was telling. He planned to return to the Chimar Village and fight for the freedom of his people.
“I cannot wait for my brother.” Miche hated the words even as they fell from his lips. What must be done had to be done before Kahm returned. Before Kahm could stop him.
Talon said no more. He knew that he couldn’t sway Miche from the course that he had set for himself.
A pillar of fire journeyed overhead and Talon looked up at the heavens in awe. Once before, such a pillar had led them in the direction that they should go. Now, on this fateful day he saw the light flash through the sky as it journeyed in the direction of the Chimar Village.
Talon didn’t know if it was a sign or an answer to his prayers, but he knew with a deep, abiding certainty that Miche deserved his loyalty.
“I will ask a blessing from Sunflower on your journey. You know that my men and I will journey after you.” Talon held Miche’s gaze. “We will fight for your people as one and we will succeed.”
“Just so.” Miche tapped his fist over his heart and nodded once. They were joined by a bond that couldn’t be broken by time or distance. Instead of speaking, Talon cast his thoughts into the unknowable future as he watched the burning embers of the fire drift upon the wind.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Sunflower saw the pillar of fire and she thought of Kahm and Oi’yan. A warm feeling grew inside of her chest and she knew that soon they would all be together again.
The basket that she wove would be used by Oi’yan to store special items for her child. Thoughts of the future also brought a sense of foreboding. Above all else, Kahm wanted to save his people and although Sunflower didn’t know the people of the Chimar Village, her heart went out to them. She could only imagine the depth of pain she would feel if the Mingha came to the Hokum Village and enslaved her people.
It was true that the people of her village had not always been kind, nor had they always acted wisely, but Talon had a chance to right the wrongs of long ago. She could see clearly that Sarnom had withheld food from the hunt and spoils from the fishing boats in an effort to drive Talon from their village.
Her brother sought to protect her from Sarnom’s twisted interest in her and she had shared her concerns with Oi’yan. Her thoughts spun back to the time that she had spent with Oi’yan in the cave where they found sanctuary.
“Your beauty will be a curse and a blessing all the days of your life.” Oi’yan admonished Sunflower as she stroked her hair.
“I am not so different from other girls.” Sunflower frowned in upset at the certainty behind Oi’yan’s carefully spoken words. It was true that she couldn’t hear the tone of Oi’yan’s voice, but her words were direct and her gaze unwavering.
“You are a child that walks with one foot in this world and one foot in the world of sacred fire.” Oi’yan knew that Sunflower wanted to openly deny her words, but it was her responsibility to prepare her for what was to come.
“Sacred fire?” Sunflower closed her eyes and whispered the words aloud. “Tell me of this sacred fire.”
“We have a prophecy that is not of the village of Chimar, but of my people. It is said that a child that walks in both the world we live in and the world of sacred fire will seek to restore balance to all. It is said that she would name herself as none that have come before her and that she alone would save those that walked with her.”
“I am not the girl that you speak of in your words of prophecy.” Sunflower denied the rightness of such a prophecy, though she was captivated by the story.
“Before today you have not spoken a falsehood in my presence.” Oi’yan’s tone held a hint of warning and despite Sunflower’s inability to hear she took heed by lowering her head in silent apology.
“I didn’t intend to speak falsely. It is simply that I do not want to be the girl in the prophecy spoken of by your people. I wish to be like everyone else.” Sunflower’s brown eyes sparkled with unshed tears.
She had never been one to indulge in self-pity. What would be the purpose of such a thing? Yet, Oi’yan spoke of things that she was not ready to hear.
“What if I told you that by your very presence you can change the fate of those you love? What if I told you that you alone hold the secret to our future?” Oi’yan’s heart filled with sadness as she placed the weight of responsibility upon Sunflower’s small shoulders. “We each have our burdens to carry. I would take yours away if I could and Kahm would choose to do the same. Yet, we must each walk our own path.”
“I am not equal to the task set before me.” Sunflower lowered her head as she spoke what rang true in her heart.
“Sunflower, we do not walk alone. You will be made equal to the task set before you.” Oi’yan held up a hand as Sunflower started
to sign her response.
Sunflower grew still and listened simply because she knew that Oi’yan spoke only the truth.
“You are the first of your kind. You are the first Guardian and Keeper of Secrets.” Oi’yan knew that she had been set upon this path to guide Sunflower. How else could she explain the words that came unbidden from her lips? She alone knew the stories that would set Sunflower’s footsteps in the right direction.
“Do you know the story of the ones that you call First Man and First Woman, as told by my people?” Oi’yan’s eyes sparkled as she captured Sunflower’s full attention. “It is said that they are recreated, time and time again, in order to bring balance to the world. Yet, who says these things? Only a person that can remember the spoken history of the world from times long lasting until now.”
Sunflower knew the moment that power slid into her gaze, although it was not at her request or by her command.
Oi’yan’s words called forth that which she knew was already present within Sunflower. Oi’yan chose to nurture the seed sown within Sunflower’s spirit by her mother, Ivy.
“There is an intrinsic strength that lives inside of you. Hold on to it. Cherish it always.”
The thumping sound of footsteps brought Sunflower’s thoughts back to the present.
Talon announced his presence in the way that he always did and Sunflower’s heartbeat returned to a steady pace. All would be well. The future was yet to be realized and until then, she would seek out peace and beauty.
“There is something that I need to tell you.” Oi’yan spoke softly in the quiet of the forest as Kahm led the way forward. She held their son secure in the cradleboard that Kahm had crafted with painstaking care. Kahm turned to face her as Wolf trailed along behind them, shifting in and out of shadows.
Pillar of Fire (Book One-The Whale Hunter Series) Page 23