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Show 21 dust and dirt from his body. His hands no longer bled when he washed them. The rabbit fat had softened the scabs and the sores were beginning to heal. He took one last drink and headed for the mesa. Supi was the first to see him coming. For more days than she could count, she had watched the land that faced south from her perch on a large rock at the edge of the village. When her eyes grew too tired to see, she would drag herself back home. Many in the village whispered that her brother would never return. She even saw sadness in the eyes of her mother. Yet she never gave up. She waited until she was sure it was Nuiji, then ran limping on her twisted leg into the village, shouting her good news. "My brother has come home! He is climbing the mesa. Nuiji has returned to us!" She was waiting for him as he came over the rim. She threw her arms around his neck and they laughed and cried together. After he had told his story and shared his treasures, he ate and rested. When the sun had gone down, he walked to the medicine man's kiva. The wise one was sitting before his fire and beckoned Nuiji to sit also. The air was heavy with things to be said yet both were silent. Finally, Nuiji spoke. "There is an emptiness inside of me, for my quest of love has come to an end. I should be happy, but instead I am sad." The ancient one looked into his eyes through the flames of the fire. "Is there not a desire in your heart to help Supi and your people live in peace and happiness?" "There is a great desire." answered Nuiji. "Have you not grown in wisdom and cunning?" the medicine man continued. With the help of the Great Spirit, I have grown wise in many things." was Nuiji's reply. "And did I not tell you once that if your quest is one of love and |