Aida remembered too what Sally had mentioned to her when she first came there. It was a thing Aida now thought Thomas should know. Caleb had been born after Freddie Chee ordered Thomas to leave, so there was something he never knew—Caleb’s middle name. Even Caleb didn’t know it. Sally had not wanted either of them to know it at the time. Thomas had asked both Caleb and his sister what the boy’s middle name was. Both told him they didn’t think he had one.
It was Thomas—his name was Caleb Thomas Begay.
Aida, not one to dwell long in sorrow, soon recalled Charlie’s phone call of the night before, causing her to brighten considerably. She contemplated Robert Ashki and Donald Benally sitting in jail this fine morning, awaiting a bail hearing that was not likely to bring any relief. It occurred to her that maybe there was justice in the world after all.
Charlie told her there were now four tribal councilmen who would likely not see the light of day for a while. “In fact,” he said, “Thomas’s Uncle John Nez is already thinking of running for Ashki’s seat on the council. His friend Marissa convinced him he would be a shoo-in to run in their district.” He went on to say, “White women were known to be quite aggressive when it came to righting wrongs, political or otherwise.” Aida could almost see him grin over the phone. She knew he was referring to her, and this made her grin too.
The world was changing, that was for certain, and she was glad she was still around to see it, maybe even help it along a little.
~~~~~~
Aida was sitting on the front porch scanning the horizon when Thomas finally drove his big Dodge truck up the lane. There was a two-horse trailer on behind which bore a tribal insignia. She could see Charlie in the passenger seat and two little faces peering out between them. Aida smiled softly and went to greet them.
Maybe Thomas would let the children come visit for a few weeks each summer. Those children could have a place in everyone’s future. Little did she know how prophetic that thought would be.
The dusk of one story is often the dawn of another and, like the dawn, brings fresh beginnings.
The end
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Writer, poet R. Allen Chappell's work has appeared in many 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. His third story in the series, Ancient Blood, will be out in late summer of 2014
His short story collection Fat of The Land is 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 an active interest in the pre-history of the region. He welcomes reader comments at: [email protected]
If you’ve enjoyed this book, please go to its Amazon book page or http://www.amazon.com/ebook/dp/B00BOZ3WH8 and 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
In the grand view of things, an author often deludes himself, thinking he has written a book. The truth is few books are written without the help of others. From those who offer ideas and information, to the editing and proofreading, a certain toll is taken on the original work—almost always for the better. I would like to thank all those whose efforts have contributed to “our” book.
Glossary
Ashiihi – Salt People (clan) *
Atsili – Younger brother
Anasazi – Pueblo ancestors
Azhe’e – Father
Billigaana – White people
Chindi (or chinde) – Spirit of the dead *
Da dichin’ ninizen? – Are you hungry?
Dinè – Navajo people
Dinè Bikeyah – Navajo country
Gah’ – Rabbit
Hataalii – Shaman (Singer)*
Hastiin (Hosteen) – Man
Hogan – Traditional dwelling
Hozo – To walk in beauty *
Shahastoi – Uncle*
Tse’ Bita’I – Shiprock
Yaa’ eh t’eeh – Greeting - Hello
Yeenaaldiooshii – Skinwalker, witch*
Ye’i – Spirit-helper*
Notes
1. *Ashiihi – The Salt People are thought to be the most numerous clan affiliation in the Navajo Mountain area. Old White Man Killer was an early and powerful Salt People clan resident of the area, coming there in 1892. He is thought to have many descendants.
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 which must be sung in the correct order.
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, are 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.
15. *Shahastoi – Elder man or distant Uncle – In the Navajo culture there is a term for nearly any relationship to avoid the use of the persons actual name when addressing him (considered bad manners by a traditional Navajo).
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.
19. *Ye’i – A generally benevolent spirit-helper, often seen depicted in weavings and sand-paintings. At major “Sings” or ceremonies, men dressed as ye’i’s go among the crowd as helper-beggars and provide a valuable service to the Hataalii performing the ceremony.
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