The group remained silent, mesmerized by the professor’s interpretation, the spell finally broken by the distant roll of thunder.
When they returned to camp, Tanya was also just returning from a short hike with the children. She could tell by the edgy expressions that for most it had been a disquieting experience.
The professor knew Tanya was well aware of his views on the contents of this and certain other sites in the area. She had known of his work for some time, mostly from her mother, Myra Griggs. “Tanya, are you sure you want to go up there?”
Aida, too, came forward and took the girl’s hands. “Tanya, perhaps it would be better if you did this later, when you are more up to it.”
“No, Aida, like you, I have waited a long time to decide for myself what happened up there. It’s time to see whether or not my mother was right.” She looked up at the rim above the ruins. “I need to know it now more than ever.”
“I could go with you, if you like.” Charlie somehow knew the girl would decline, but thought it only right that he ask.
Harley brought her a flashlight. “It’s pretty dark in there now. Watch your step going down the ladder.”
As everyone watched the young Hopi woman climb the path to the kiva, Thomas, spoke for the first time. “I hope this brings her some kind of peace, but I don’t really see how it can.”
The men fell to breaking camp as George Custer now considered himself finished with this phase of the investigation. The lab results would not be in for several days, and while he was certain of the outcome, he needed official verification for his paper.
It was coming on evening when the onerous job of loading the trucks was finished. The children, too, were worn out by the day’s activities and knew it was time to go. Thomas wanted to return to the ranch and begin packing for their trip home. It was finally decided that Aida and Thomas would take the children on ahead. Charlie and the Professor, along with Harley, would wait for Tanya to come down, and then close up the kiva before the four of them returned to the ranch.
As it grew later, the professor noted it would soon be dark, and they really should make the drive out in daylight. He was just about to send Harley up to hurry Tanya along when they heard the muffled gunshot from the ceremonial chamber. The three men exchanged startled glances but knew instantly what had come to pass—and grew sick at heart even as they rushed toward the kiva. Once again the great mystery of the Anasazi had touched beyond the brooding curtain of time to claim yet another of their own.
The end
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Writer, poet R. Allen Chappell's work has appeared in magazines, literary and poetry publications, and has been featured on public radio and television. He grew up in New Mexico, at the edge of the great reservation.
Navajo Autumn is the precursor to his Navajo Nation mystery series.
Boy Made of Dawn is the second stand-alone novel in the trilogy.
Ancient Blood is the third and latest story in the series.
His unrelated short story collection Fat of The Land is also out on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle.
He and his wife spend most winters on a small sailboat in Mexico and summers at home in Colorado, where he pursues a lifelong interest in the pre-history of the region. He welcomes reader comments at: [email protected]
If you’ve enjoyed this book, please consider going to its Amazon book page to leave a short review. It would be most appreciated.
DEDICATION
Again, many sincere thanks to those Navajo friends and classmates who provided “grist for the mill.” Their insight into Navajo thought and reservation life helped fuel a lifelong interest in their culture, one I had once only observed from the other side of the fence.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many readers believe a book simply flows out of an author—I can assure you it does not. It requires a certain reliance on the opinions and suggestions of others, often those of a close-knit alliance of friends and family. Without these people, a writer may easily fall prey to a directionless and sometimes deadly inertia. I count myself lucky that I have such a group, and I know a great measure of the success of these little books belongs to them. And for that, I thank them.
Glossary
1. Acheii — Grandfather *
2. Anasazi — Pueblo ancestors
3. Athabaskan — Navajo rootstock *
4. Ashkii Ana’dlohi — Laughing boy
5. A-hah-la’nih — affectionate greeting*
6. Ah-wayh — Baby
7. Chindi — (or chinde) Spirit of the dead *
8. Chih keh — young woman
9. Chosovi — blue bird (Hopi)
10. Dinè — Navajo people
11. Dinè Bikeyah — Navajo country
12. Hataalii — Shaman (Singer)*
13. Hastiin — (Hosteen) Man or Mr. *
14. Hogan — (Hoogahn) Traditional dwelling
15. Hozo — To walk in beauty *
16. Kachina — deities
17. Shih-chai — Father *
18. Tsé Bii’ Ndzisgaii — Monument Valley
19. Yaa’ eh t’eeh — Greeting; Hello
20. Yeenaaldiooshii — Skinwalker; witch*
See Notes *
Notes
1. *Acheii — Grandfather – there are several words for Grandfather depending on how formal the intent and the gender of the speaker.
2. *Athabaskan — The Northern Paleo-Indian ancestors, of the Navajo and Apache. Sometimes referred to as Athabasca.
4. *A-hah-la’nih — A greeting - affectionate version of Yaa eh t’eeh, generally only used among family and close friends.
6. *Chindi – When a person dies inside a hogan, it is said that his chindi or spirit remains there forever, causing the hogan to be abandoned. Chindi are not considered benevolent entities. For the traditional Navajo, just speaking a dead person’s name may call up his chindi and cause harm to the speaker.
11. *Hataalii – Generally known as a “Singer” among the Dinè, these men are considered “Holy Men” and have apprenticed to older practitioners—sometimes for many years—to learn the ceremonies. They make the sand paintings that are an integral part of the healing and know the many songs that must be sung in the correct order.
12. *Hastiin — Literal translation is “man” but is often considered the word for “Mr.” as well. Hosteen is the usual Anglo version.
14. *Hozo – For the Navajo “hozo” (sometimes hozoji) is a general state of well-being, both physical and spiritual, that indicates a certain “state of grace,” which is referred to as “walking in beauty.” Illness or depression, is the usual cause of “loss of hozo,” which puts one out of sync with the people as a whole. There are ceremonies to restore hozo and return the ailing person to a oneness with his people.
17. *Shih-chai — Father. There are several words for Father depending on the degree of formality intended and sometimes even the gender of the speaker.
18. *Yeenaaldiooshii – These witches, as they are often referred to, are the chief source of evil or fear in the traditional Navajo superstitions. They are thought to be capable of many unnatural acts, such as flying, or turning themselves into werewolves and other ethereal creatures; hence the term Skinwalkers, referring to their ability to change forms or skins.
Ancient Blood Page 19
