Chapter V
Anaki
As they descended along the steep incline of the ridge, a cold silence crept over them. The soft light of the torches formed dark shadows that jostled over rocky stony course way or brushed against hard calcified rock. Michael clung precariously to the sheer edge of the ravine, at times they moved crablike along it to stop from plunging to their doom. Humming Bird, light footed as ever, appeared unperturbed by the dark or unsettled ground that would have been all too willing to fell any unsuspecting traveller. Gabriel, who was not as capable as Humming Bird, slipped and slid his way down often having to rely on a steady hand from Michael to maintain a firm footing. Crows circled above their heads, swiftly stooping and then rising in the hope of enticing the unwary over the edge. As dawn approached the gloom slowly lifted. They steadily made their way toward the base of the ravine, when blocking their path in front of them loomed, what in the poor light looked to be a large creature; its arms were outstretched as if to prevent their passage.
Gabriel gestured for Michael and Humming Bird to stand back.
“I’ll take care of this,” said Gabriel boldly stepping forward, “this must be the guardian Chey spoke of. We wish to seek the wisdom of the stone people.”
There was no response so Gabriel tried again vigorously waving his hands as though he could disperse the dark. Still there was no reply as the creature stoically remained unmoved by their presence.
Michael patted the unsuspecting Gabriel on the shoulder, whom, startled by the act, jumped back. Michael shrugged and with a wry smile on his face walked past him right up to the figure in front of them and tapped it. The hard exterior thudded.
“It’s a totem pole,” said Michael, “you know…made of wood.”
Gabriel looked more than a little surprised; perhaps the encounter with the Wold had got him on edge and he had looked for something that had not been there.
“Obviously being in human form has dulled your senses,” said Michael.
“Huh must be the poor light,” scoffed Gabriel.
“Of course, it’s the light,” replied Michael wryly.
Gabriel approached the totem, kicking off heavy dust from his feet as he went, as if by doing so it might prove the distraction he needed to cover his obvious embarrassment. Humming Bird circled the wooden edifice reverently as if she could feel some energy emanating from it.
“Well what do you make of it?” asked Gabriel.
“I have not seen its like before,” murmured Humming Bird nervously.
On closer inspection they could see more clearly its outline and shape. At its top was an eagle, its brow furrowed, eyes oval in shape regarded them with some hostility and the carved wings fanned out on either side in the shape of a crescent moon. At its centre was a bear, its jagged jaws trapped in the hollows of time, just at the moment of its last agonising disjointed roar, and at the bottom was a Longfoot, a melancholic abject look on its face as it held the others aloft.
“Do you think,” asked Gabriel, “that this could be the guardian Chey was talking of?”
“I doubt it,” replied Humming Bird, “though it is a powerful Totem. Come let us go. I feel it is watching us.”
They edged their way past the stoic lifeless figure that stood in their way. The path instantly became too narrow: it was so treacherous that they found that the only way they could continue was by pressing themselves up against the rock face.
They were fortunate indeed that none of them stumbled, for that would have certainly meant death. The abyss reminded them of a dark gaping mouth that was stretched open in the hope of swallowing them up. There was still a long way to go and even with the approach of dawn the light was still too tenuous to be anything other than a deceiving guide. The path traversed to the depths of the canyon, and in the distant gloom could be seen their journey’s end. Gabriel inadvertently kicked some small stones over the side and stood watching as they tumbled down. The ravine was proving to be steeper than they had first imagined. Soon broken light escaped the clutches of desperate clouds. Their passage became easier, their progress instantly quickened by their ability to actually make out the path in front of them. Once at the bottom they could see the river Chey had spoken of. As angry waters cascaded down from the raging flow above, pouring angrily through the deep trench of the ravine, they looked one to another as if thinking the same thing. To swim such a crazed torrent would certainly be a daunting death defying task. The only thing for it was to follow the line of the river. As they went the cliffs of the ravine peered imposingly above their heads, and their feet stumbled along the heavy stony earth. As the river broadened the waters became less formidable. Light broke through the canopy of clouds. Bright sunshine gave chase to shadowed rock. Some way off they could see an island; atop of its roughened and hued skin were littered what in appearance were like pustules when in fact they were lodges, and they could also perceive tepees between sparse trees. Their eyes clung to a small raft that was moored against the island. It was attached by a rope on both sides of the river. It could be hauled across and then back again. As they approached a strong wind got up, giving life to the ground beneath them, and the gravelly underbelly of the ravine began to stir. Something was amiss. Michael and Gabriel felt a surge of energy emanating from all around. Humming Bird, alerted by their sudden unease, drew her dagger. In front of them, taking shape out of the ruffled ground was a creature. Slowly it took form, having the body of a serpent but with the arms and head of a man. It coalesced in front of them and in one hand it held a long staff with a carved head of a crow that had blue crystals for eyes. Gabriel and Michael looked at one another - they had been to many worlds, seen many strange things, but for them this was something different.
“It is The Charok,” said Humming Bird.
Michael stepped forward, holding out his medicine bag. The creature sensed something inexplicable, great power and so it retreated.
“It doesn’t like what you’ve got there,” said Gabriel.
The Charok eyed them all with a strange sort of curiosity. Its stare was so strong they felt almost transparent under its gaze. In fact it was not backing away from the Medicine pouch but from Michael: there was something about him and Gabriel that the Charok evidently did not recognise, they were not of his world.
It rose threateningly above them as its body contorted coiled and writhed, uncertain of what to make of the Angelos duo. It gave out a shriek that chilled each of them to the bone.
“I am Anaki of the Vision Realm,” said the Creature, “guardian of the Stone People, keeper of the Hidden Kingdom, who is it that disturbs my rest?”
“We are travellers,” said Humming Bird stepping forward head slightly bowed, “my name is Humming Bird and I seek the wisdom of the Stone People for a vision quest.”
“I see,” said Anaki gesturing with his staff toward Gabriel and Michael, “and these people that are your companions, I do not recognise their nation. Who are they?”
“We are Angelos, you may know us as Sky People,” said Gabriel, “this here is Michael and I am Gabriel.”
“Sky People,” replied Anaki, trying to recall the name. Suddenly his eyes widened. “The Sky People are a myth.”
“We’re the myth,” whispered Gabriel to Michael, “that’s comforting, has he looked at his reflection in the river recently.”
“Hush,” said Michael to Gabriel before turning to Anaki, “we are friends to the First People.”
“It was,” replied Anaki, “written that the Sky People would only return at time when great peril and hardship threatened the First People.”
“And here we are,” said Michael.
“So,” said Anaki thoughtfully, “The Prophesy of the Old One’s return has come to pass. ‘When darkness rises the Sky People appear, the lord of lies then turns all to fear. The wolf will howl the Wendigo shriek and all will know death’s unnatural reek.’”
“That is really something to look forward to,” said a bemused Gabriel, “Tell m
e why are all these portents so dark, why can’t we hear something like; when the Angelos appear, hope is near, the Lord of lies breaks like shattered glass, as we’ve kicked his...”
“Enough,” said Michael hurriedly, “we need to get to the stone people - will you be our guide, Anaki?”
“Yes, but you need to be quick,” said Anaki, “Now you are here it explains a lot of things, especially why the Wendigo have returned; I’m afraid they are massing to drive out the Longfoot from the Green Wood.”
“How do you know this?” asked Michael.
“Nothing in the Green Wood goes unnoticed without my knowing.”
Anaki tugged on the rope and began to haul the small ferry across. The thick line stretched taut. Michael attached the medicine pouch to his belt, and removed some gravel from one of his moccasins, its dulled worn leather coming to life as he shook the dust from it. Humming Bird stood by his side, she was unperturbed by the creature in front of her and did not seem to flinch from its manner or the way it spoke to Michael and Gabriel. She was after all a shaman and had seen stranger things on her many vision quests. The ferry slowly drifted toward them, rocked gently by the river which had calmed its steady passage at the point where it flowed past the island.
“Anaki is there some ritual we need to follow?” asked Gabriel.
“Yes, the sweat lodge waits you and is already prepared once there we will carry out a small ceremony, then you may be allowed to go on the Vision Quest so that you can get the answers that you seek.” replied Anaki.
“Okay,” said Gabriel nodding.
“It will be a hard journey,” said Anaki. “Usually we do not allow Vision Quests so close to the stone people - it is far too dangerous for the one doing it because of the depth that can be reached. An individual can get lost and fall into a trance from which they may never wake. But with the danger of the Wendigo and the rising darkness; it will be allowed. This is the only place where more than one person may enter the same Vision Quest. And to make sure no harm comes to your friend I will go with her.”
“And who will make sure no harm comes to you?” asked Michael.
“You and Gabriel may come along too if you so wish,” replied Anaki.
“Hey,” said Gabriel, tugging at Michaels’ arm, “what if it’s a trap and instead of Uziel its Moloch she encounters?”
“Trust me she will be safe,” replied Anaki grimly.
“That's all very well but you don't know the power of Moloch,” said Gabriel with a gesture of his arms.
“You are right I do not know this Moloch,” said Anaki, “but ask yourself this, if you hadn't intended the vision quest, why did you come? So now is not the time to hesitate.”
"I think just before you take the ultimate risk, is the perfect time to hesitate," replied Gabriel.
“Gabriel,” replied Michael, “if it is a trap we had better be on hand to help Humming Bird; and if not then the more to battle any danger the better. And besides this is why we are here.”
“Good,” said Anaki, “now that we’re all in agreement we can be on our way.”
Anaki reached out and took hold of the ferry to steady it, and then with a gesture he invited everyone to board. The ferry was more a square platform of logs with planks across the top and wooden rails on either side. As they set off for the other bank the ferry jostled temperamentally with the wash before settling down to a slow methodical dance. Michael and Gabriel stared in curiosity at the small island ahead. Anaki heaved on the rope; it was as if with his massive strength he were pulling the island closer. Soon they had reached the other side. Each clambered off, Anaki hauled his heavy frame ashore and led them into the heart of the island where the stone people were said to lie. The island had a different weather pattern to the rest of the ravine. It was warmer for one thing and was littered with small hot springs that bubbled and fumed as though they were alive.
“See the great lodge up ahead,” said Anaki, “the stone people are there.”
They had arrived at a small village of sorts. It was not what you would have called a bustling metropolis - instead what greeted them was an eerie silence. Anaki pointed to a large circular building at its centre with mud brick walls and a roof covered by withered tattered furs. It was surrounded by smaller tepees that were all devoid of life.
Gabriel and Michael looked at each other, suspicious of what awaited them.
“What do you think?” said Gabriel, “Not exactly thriving is it?”
Humming Bird, who stood apart from the others, nodded thoughtfully to herself as if she had already understood what was needed to be done, her long dark hair glistened in the afternoon light, and quietly and without hesitation she entered the lodge. Gabriel made to stop her but was too late.
“That’s that then,” said Michael with a wry smile, “what was that well known English saying, in for a penny in for a pound?”
“Really,” replied Gabriel, “I prefer only fools rush in where the Angelos fear to tread.”
Anaki entered the lodge; closely followed by Gabriel and Michael. The lodge was empty of anything that could be remotely thought of as furnishings. There was a hollow in the roof that let in light enough for them to see by. Along the walls were head dresses adorned with feathers of all types of birds; there were shields adorned with wolves, bears and other animals. There were also some open pots filled to the brim with leaves and what appeared to be dried scented flowers and herbs. In the centre was a wooden pyre of logs surrounded by large stones; stood up against this was a long ornately carved sacred pipe. To the side, dug out of the earthen floor, was a deep recess. Without a word Anaki descended down the long ramp. Gabriel just gave a shrug of resignation while Michael mumbled something as they followed on behind him.
In the pit stood Humming Bird. She was standing over one of the many piles of stone that were there. Her hands were lifted up as though in prayer. Anaki stood to one side of her with his staff raised above his head. The crystal blue eyes of the crow gave off an eerie light by which they could see. The pit was a burial chamber. Carved into the walls was written, or perhaps more accurately drawn, a script that was not of the living world. Scenes depicting the lives and deaths of the tribal peoples were illuminated by Anaki’s staff. Michael walked over to one of the stony tombs and placed his hands on it. He looked curiously over to Anaki.
“Where are the stone people?” said Gabriel incredulously.
“I think we’re looking at them,” replied Michael with a sigh.
“They were being quite literal, then, with the name, ‘stone people’.” said Gabriel dryly, “Well it makes sense. The Vision Quest is after all a different realm.”
“All the wisest among the first people are gathered here,” said Anaki giving him a sharp glance.
“I sense there is power here,” said Michael.
“Okay, so how do we cross over?” continued Gabriel nodding in agreement.
“When you are prepared” said Anaki, “this shall become the sweat lodge which is required for such a journey. We will smoke the sacred pipe. Then as you say we will cross over.”
They made their way back up the ramp. Humming Bird already looked to be in an almost trance like state induced by the smell of herbs and spice. She was taken by the hand of Anaki who had begun chanting as he led her away. Gabriel and Michael both had the capacity through the strength of their will to enter the Vision Realm without the need for primitive aids such as the sweat lodge or the sacred pipe, but they chose to follow Anaki’s direction. They watched as he guided Humming Bird to one side of the pyre before lighting it. He then went to the pots and drew out some leaves, herbs and dried flowered petals and threw them on the fire. It immediately sprung to life. Sparks like fire flies began darting in the air all around. Anaki then lit the sacred pipe and gestured for Gabriel and Michael to join him. The four were now sitting round the fire as the pipe was passed round. Puffs of light grey smoke drifted upward toward the opening in the roof. At first the smoke appeared normal but as
the fumes merged with the flames from the fire it began to glow green and take the form of different translucent shapes of animals. Anaki was now swaying from side to side chanting rhythmically as he went. The smoke had an intoxicating effect. Gabriel and Michael felt as though they were being slowly submerged in a tight veil of many colours that squeezed the air out of them, they began to feel light headed and their minds detached themselves from their bodies. Gabriel looked at his hand as he held it up to the faint light, he knew it was his and yet it felt as though it belonged to someone else. His body moved slowly and yet his mind was still alert if a little disoriented. Suddenly he saw Humming Bird fall on her back, she stared blankly up into the hollow of the roof. Anaki did the same quickly followed by Michael. Gabriel tried to reach out to prevent Michael from falling but as he did so, he felt like he was being pulled back as if some hidden force had taken hold of him and catapulted him through a passageway at speed. He felt as if he were tumbling, before everything around him came into view. He was high up in a glade, the sun was high in the sky and its vibrant warmth gave life to the myriad of flowers that spread as far as the eye could see. There were mountains in the distant; icy peaks eyed them from unimagined heights, eagles soared overhead and elk roamed free. A marsh ran from the ridge of the glade and intermittently traversed the wilds. Gabriel took a deep breath and felt cool fresh air fill his vital body with energy. Humming Bird was close by; she had a dandelion in her hand and held it to her face and blew on it. The little seeds like small puffs of white smoke drifted into the air. Gabriel turned to see Michael who was talking with Anaki. Anaki was different - in this realm he had the frame of a man, tall robust looking, long flaxen hair hung down his back. His strong folded arms sat comfortably on his barrel chest, his long ornate staff rested beneath them. He wore a leather tunic with tassels running down the sleeves. His long brown breeches also had small tassels running down them. On his feet were tight fitting light moccasins. He appeared more at home in this world than the one they had just come from. Also Gabriel noticed that both he and Michael had altered, in form they were Angelos, tall, vibrant looking; though in appearance they were dressed similarly to Anaki which was probably an offshoot from the world they had just come from. He walked over to Michael and stood by his side.
“Glad you could join us,” said Michael.
“What is that supposed to mean?” replied Gabriel.
“We’ve been here a week already,” said Michael.
Gabriel looked at him incredulously.
“Time moves differently here,” said Anaki, seeing the confused look on Gabriel’s face, “you were the last to pass over, and what may have been only a moment between each of us and our crossing from one world to the next may appear as days here.”
“Of course, I must be a bit disoriented from the transition not to have remembered how things work,” said Gabriel.
“Anaki has informed me that the guardian spirits live in the distant forests that straddle the mountains and they will help us find Uziel,” said Michael.
Michael pointed to the mountains in the distance: they looked leagues away. Getting to them meant having to cross a vast open marsh. Humming Bird recognised Gabriel even in his Angelos form; it was as though she understood the strangeness of that world without question, as if such things were to be expected.
“What can we expect to find?” said Michael, gesturing toward the mountains.
“This is Humming Bird’s Vision Quest, though we are here to guide and protect her through it,” said Anaki. “So she will have the main influence over what happens here. There is something else - on entering, I felt a dark presence like a raging vengeful storm.”
“Moloch,” said Gabriel and Michael together.
“We must take care - whoever this Moloch is, he knows we’re here.” said Anaki.
Valour of the Spirit People Page 7