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Show 125 that what is best for us will happen." Chua didn't answer. Ahote was always lurking in the back of his head. "This spiritual training is needed in our new little Snake Clan. You must do it for Tupko." She patted her belly as a lump moved across it. "His heel is sliding across the inside of my belly." Chua smiled. Apa looked into Chua's dark eyes. "You will go to show your little brother, Tupko, the way." Chua took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was as if he were releasing the fear. He would do it for Tupko. "I will go," he said. He stroked Chosovi's feathers. "Fly to me, little bird, if my mother needs me." Chua jogged up the path to the mesa. He stopped at the high point and looked over the cliff. He threw a stone over the edge. It smashed to pieces on the first ledge, and a shower of dust fell onto the second ledge. Chua looked over the horizon, hunting for the small man with the giant strides and the leather pouch full of chewing root tied to his waist and-the-salt. He saw nothing. Ahote's eyes were back inius head. He hated them being there. He raced across the desert and didn't stop until he came to the door of Pavati's dwelling. "Greetings, my son," Pavati said, holding her arms out to Chua. "Greetings," he said, hugging her back. "Toho is out gathering things for the pahos so that the elders may smoke over them before you make the prayer sticks tomorrow." |