The Mender

Thinking Circle

Those remaining at the Flat Rocks bode worried about the scouting party. Each morning they gathered around Esri as she marked another notch on her Sun-Man Stick and then compared it to the place marked on the stick Tars had left that indicated how long he thought they would be gone.

Fenti-Dumu said what no one wanted to say out loud; "Maybe they're not coming back. They've been gone many days longer than Tars said they would be. I will never have a Naming. I will be Fenti-Dumu forever."

Nagar hugged him, "You will be named. And it will be a wonderful Naming in our new Thinking Circle. We have to be a little more patient. They'll be back soon."

Nagar knew her words sounded unconvincing.

Esri and Kai wanted to look for the scouting party but it was risky as it would leave those remaining at Flat Rocks too vulnerable.

The restoration of the Naming Place, now a Thinking Circle, provided some distraction from worrying about the scouting party. Zura used the new Thinking Circle to teach Skywatching knowledge to everyone at Flat Rocks, even Fenti-Dumu.

At various times in the night, many of those left at Flat Rocks joined Zura in the Thinking Circle. She showed them how to set Guideposts to make alignments with the bright orbs in the night sky and use small stones to mark the daily journeys.

Fenti-Dumu was especially keen on Skywatching, "Why are you the only Skywatcher?" he asked Zura.

"In our bode, only a few were given Skywatching knowledge and the Elders decided who that would be. Dagan and Esri were not chosen. When the Ash Rain came and everyone else died, I was the only Skywatcher left," said Zura.

Kai said, "It was the same at Flat Rocks. We were taught that only a few should receive the knowledge of the skies or great harm would come to us. We had two Skywatchers, as you call them and they both died in the Ash Rain."

Fenti-Dumu listened closely. "Will something happen to us if we are all Skywatchers?"

Zura replied, "No, it's better if we all learn. The Ash Rain showed us what happens if we don't share knowledge. I believe that's what the Ancients are telling us. I will teach you everything I know about Skywatching. Skywatching is like fire-building, finding roots, flint-making, hunting, helping mothers give birth, taking care of those who are sick, everything we do. Some people are especially good at these tasks but all should share the knowledge in case many people die quickly again."

Fenti-Dumu said, "Kai and Esri are good at making flints and Piram is good at finding big cats. I will be good at Skywatching, but I don't like doing some things. I don't like looking for roots."

Zura said, "Everything we do is important. Some tasks are simple, like digging for roots. It can make the difference of whether we live or die. But, I agree," she tousled his hair. "Skywatching is more enjoyable. Let's do both, Fenti-Dumu."

Mid-morning, Zura and Nagar spoke alone while the others went down to the river.

Nagar rested her hand on Zura's arm. "My friend, I could not have come through these times without you. What if Tars had not found you? We were nearing the end. Now your teas make me better. But much more than your teas, it is your wisdom and words that give me strength and hope."

"And you saved us, Nagar. As soon as I saw your eyes, and how you looked at me, I knew that you were someone who saw deeper visions. Do you remember how I cried in your arms?"

"Yes, I wanted to be able to tell you not to fear us. Tars told me everything you did after he found you. I felt we should try to trust you. We've done well. We've found how to bring our two bodes together and take the best from each other. And we're learning not be afraid to try new paths."

"The Ancients could not have foreseen these hard times. I'm no longer afraid to do things in a new way using the best of what we know. But I fear for the scouting party and what will happen if they don't return," said Zura.

"They'll return. I don't think they are dead. Tars is a cautious man. I think they had a reason to go farther or something slowed them down. Let's wait until after the Moon-Woman makes another journey before thinking they might not return."

"And if they find others . . . I know it is what we want, but I worry there are maybe too many and they may want to harm us," said Zura.

"I know. I share your worry and hope that they can find others like you, Dagan, and Esri."

The others came rushing up from the river, Kai and Esri leading. They ran in the cave, came out with their spears, and raced back toward the river. Saba and Fenti-Dumu were a little behind and came over to the older women.