OCR Text |
Show 18 ~--^ The rattlesnake hissed at the bird. > Chua's muscles tensed. - \ T > "Kwaaaa, kwaaaa," she called again, as if to warn Chua. "Get away," Ahote yelled at Chosovi. "Leave her alone," Chua said. Chosovi fluttered to a rock above. Chosovi usually protected Chua, but Chua could handle this himself. Chua knew the rattlesnake was dangerous in the hands of Ahote because his uncle was in a trance and not thinking clearly. Ahote couldn't dance with the snake, and then bless it and send it back to the desert. His heart was not right. ^p\ok- ^\&M\s Why did the creator of the universe put Chua in a place like this? Most boys his age had a father that could think clearly and help guide them as they grew up. Maybe this was a test for Chua; he couldn't take pity on himself right now. The snake would do no harm if Chua's heart were right. He hesitated. Maybe he should just walk away, and let the snake bite Ahote. That would be an easy way to get rid of him. Chua took a deep breath. He couldn't do that. He must face his father some day in the next world. His father had taught him to be honorable. He must help Ahote. Chua reached to his side and pulled his kwawicki from his waist. The gray spots on the two buzzard feathers had a strange smell that would calm the snake. The snake coiled its body to strike. Chua forced himself to stay calm. He sucked in air, and waved the kwawicki over the snake. Maybe it would bring Chua peace also. Ahote spat in his free hand and began to stroke the rattler. His fingers rubbed the full length of the serpent's body again and again, until the snake became limp. |