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Show 140 "My sister," Mongwi said taking Apa's face in his hands. "My sister has come home." Apa's eyes filled with tears^IP _ > 7 JLpa's hand grabbed Chua's shoulder. Her face was suddenly full of pain. "The time for the baby is here," she said. "The moon is past full." "We must get you to Pavati," Mongwi said. "I'll make a stretcher to carry you. The priests can prepare Ahote for burial." "My mother," Apa said. "I'll have the baby with my mother. We will wash him with cedar water and rub him with fine com meal. We will present him to Father Sun together when he is 20 days old." "Oh," Toho said, "a real brother." "Yes," Chua said, "and a clan." "Run and tell Pavati," Mongwi said. "She must know right away." Both boys headed up to the mesa. The last of the cold night wind blew across the desert. The cactus reached towards the sky with a prayer of joy. The desert was a giving place, providing all Chua's needs. The new morning wind circled around him like a warm blanket. As his feet pounded the sand, Chua could see Clawing Eagle leaving his heart and soaring above the earth. The powerful bird flew over the mesa and down the canyon. He circled back and tipped his wings to say farewell. Then he was gone. Chua breathed in his new life. * ^ ^j^ - j ^ ^ J C ( W >^ "Hear me, desert, hear me. I have a family and a clan," he shouted. He raised his arms in thanksgiving to Sotuknang, as the sun began to rise. |