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Show 118 Clawing Eagle was restless. Chua didn't need him when Ahote wasn't around. Chua could care for his mother and baby brother. He was strong. In the spring he could plant com and squash. He could hunt. His father had taught him enough about plants that he could care for his family if they were ill. Feelings of gratitude filled Chua until he could have burst. The light of the sun warmed his body. He wanted to run like wind, but he was carrying Quahu and walking with Toho. i When Toho stopped to rest his ankle, Chua handed Quahu to him. Toho laid his stick down and took the eagle. "I must give thanks to Sotuknang for the blessing of life," Chua said. He pulled a little commeal out of his pouch, cradling it as a gift in his palm. He sprinkled it on the ground so it was bathed in the light. He raised his hands toward Father Sun. "Kwakwhay, Sotuknang. Thank you for life. The desert protects me and helps me grow." Chua bowed his head and was silent. The light and warmth of the sun pierced to his very soul. CJkckl Gratitude burst from him, flowing out into the universe, making it a better place. ^Pl ^ "Kwakwhay" Toho said, and bowed his head. Toho handed Quahu to Chua and picked up his stick. Together they continued into the desert. Chua's arms were becoming strong. The eagle weighed as much as a small mountain goat. v They left the beauty of the Great Painted Canyons, coming again to the high mesa peppered with cactus. With each day Toho's ankle grew stronger. Travel was slow because they had to hunt for food. Even though Quahu was young and hungry, it took him several days to eat a rabbit. |
