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Show ^ 76 Chua had no respect for him at all. "You need some rest after your long trip," Apa said. "I do not," Ahote said, getting to his feet. He looked towards the door that led to the village plaza. "The elders are calling me. It's nearing time for Wuwuchim. We must prepare the new initiates." V He hobbled out the door, and back down to the plaza above the kiva. His singing \ ^ and the thumping of his dancing feet echoed through the cliff dwelling J) ijj ' J^ / "I'm sorry for the way he treated you," Apa said. "As soon as the baby comes and j " V C / I can travel, we'll leave." Apa continued to prepare the meat for smoking over the fire. $""\& "(ST^"H o w c a n he dance w*th his swelling foot?" Chua asked. %v °J^*£%J(. tt ^ \j "The chewing root must deaden the pain," Apa said. "Let us pray to Com Mother that Ahote is asleep before dawn, when you must leave for the race." "I can't leave you now," Chua said. "It's too dangerous." l "You must," Apa said. "We need the bird." "It's great comfort when I go for water to know Chosovi can fly to me if there is trouble," Chua said. "I must get her back." Ahote's voice wailed on and on. The moon rose and crossed the sky. Chua dozed. "He won't come to sleep," Apa said. "Then I'll leave anyway," Chua said, rubbing his eyes. 'You can't outrun Ahote," Apa said. "He's a grown man with long strides." ~ J ^ The night wore on, and Chua slept. AA/^ V [c > |