PoraBora

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Jungle fowl watched the intruders with beady eyes and cocking necks, even as they bent to peck at the dust and dirt.

Feathers carpeted the cavern's floor in mixing oranges and greens and showed no sign that anyone had ever walked over them. As Miimikani caught up with the others, the newly trampled feathers regained their shape and sheen, shafts straightening, barbs preened back into place.

It was already the closest Miimikani had come to a god for the villagers were not permitted to enter Maye's home. Nobody knew where it was. Many believed the god resided in each of the fowl, or within the anchor, or even within U'ekeo's tattoo. Wherever he was, they knew he was watching over them and providing them with their bountiful fowl.

Miimikani had known a little better. Chief U'ekeo had told her about his first meeting with Maye, when he had been blessed on the day of his inauguration. Most chiefs retired willingly, handing off their responsibilities and work to their children. Chief U'ekeo's parents had not been so lucky.

"This place is magnificent," said Makaia.

U'ekeo grunted.

"Maye likes to keep a clean nest," said the Navigator of Fowl.

"Haven't you seen something like this before?" asked the man in the rig jacket, his arms still bound. It hadn't been made clear what he was along for, but then Miimikani wasn't in a position to question.

"Lehe'e lives atop a hill, in the sunlight, where his banana trees surround him and grow from him like spines from an urchin," Makaia explained. "He can be seen from my village, on a clear day. The kids take great pleasure in it. My son and the other village children would wake before the fishers to try and catch a glimpse of our god. It makes me wonder why Ila'i has decided none are to see or appreciate Maye."

"He doesn't like visitors," the Navigator of Fowl reminded them.

"Is it because of the visitors?" said the man in the rig jacket.

Makaia laughed. Miimikani didn't find it very amusing.

"The birds come here to rest," said U'ekeo. "People wake them. The light confuses them and the noise scares them. Our being here is an intrusion."

"We will be forgiven," said Makaia.

And what makes you think that? thought Miimikani.

The cavern twisted, and as they went deeper the fowl became more numerous. The birds squawked at being awoken, and one harassed Makaia's ankles. The man grabbed it by the neck, holding it up as it flailed, and laughed.

"Do not make him angry," said U'ekeo.

Makaia put the bird back. The creature continued its tirade until U'ekeo passed it too. Then the bird went silent and watched them all go by.

Miimikani glanced behind her, and the warrior tensed his hands on his spear. His glare suggested what would happen if she tried anything, even if that anything was to leave before his chief made Maye so upset that the god attacked.

He prodded her forward, and she wished they'd all walked through some dragon-eye and could tell this was a bad idea.

"Wait," said U'ekeo, and Miimikani was surprised that Makaia did.

They were to their ankles in fowl, practically wading through them, stepping over them when they were asleep and nudging them aside when they were awake. A warrior threatened to step on them. They only looked up in challenge.

"What is it?" asked Makaia.

"What do you intend to do with Maye?"

"You mean if he does not acquiesce to my request," the chief said. "I would prefer that would not be the case, but I will do what I must for Taipala."