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Show He must plant the prayer sticks and sacred water now. Chua pulled away from the crowd and climbed down the steep trail from the mesa to the crops. His clan planted in the low lands to protect the com from the wind. The stalks were withered because it had been a dry season. He fingered the small comhusk pouch of the pahos. It was filled with com meal, a little com pollen and a drop of honey. The turkey feather and eagle feather were tied to it with a wool string. Chua knelt beside the withering stalks. Maybe his prayer along with this prayer stick would bring rain. Bless us, Com Mother, he thought. A shadow darkened the ritual. Chua looked up to see the Snake Clan Chief towering over him. "You may not plant thepahos and sacred water in your fields," his voice boomed out. "But I won them in the race," Chua said "You cannot bless your com," the chief said. "You must leave. You have no claim on this clan now." Chua shook his head. What was happening? The one person he could rely on was sending him away. "Please," Chua said, "I've served you like a grandson and will continue to do so. The clan is my family." "You and Apa must go," the chief said. "I can't have sorrow for you. The grief of my wife's death is too great. It pierces my heart like a swiftly flying spear. I can't see beyond it." You loved my mother," Chua said. ) Tj\ fylfot f f/J^V / / &1 IO^IA- |
