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Show ledge pertaining to death and evil. The tohungas 27 - were priestly experts who presided over them exclusively. While Roa was shaping a casket from a kauri tree he heard rustling sounds coming through the thick foliage of the forest. He ran to investigate. "Tena koe, my father," he shouted, which meant, literally, "That is you there!" His father answered in greeting, "Kia ora, e_ tama, my son." They embraced one another and Roa fell Into step with his father, who was leading the returning war narty. "Have you sustained any injury, my father?" Roa asked in concern. "No, not I personally. Other of our warriors were not so fortunate. We have several wounded who must be treated as soon as we reach the p_a. We are all very weary, however, my son, for we have traveled a day and a night without food or rest. We encountered our enemy for two short battles, but we lost his trail in the forests to the south." His weary voice took on a renewed strength and determination. "We shall have our day, though. Our glory in battle shall come!" he rasped. |
