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Show - 178 - greying darkness. "My father. Oh, my father." Roa sobbed, kneeling beside the fallen Turi. Blood snurted freely from a large gaping hole in Turi's chest. Roa lifted his father's head and gently placed it in his lap, for he still had breath and x^ras trying to sneak. Roa placed his ear close to Turi's mouth. "My son, there are many things left unsaid between us. Take the sacred stick from mv waist band." Roa obeyed. "It is the symbol of leadership, my son. The burden is now unon you to lead our people. I go now into the arms of Whiro who is death." Roa wept sorrowful and bitter tears as an older warrior took him by the shoulders and helned him to his feet. "Kua hinga te rate whakamarumaru. The sheltering rata tree has fallen to the ground: our chief is dead," said the warrior solemnly. "I will bring the tohungas and kaum.atuas to prepare our chief for the tangi. Return to your family xdnc will need, their eldest brother at this sad time." |