Ezzy and Marcus sat in Marcus’s room working out how to get to Huia. Pestering Marcus’ Dad was the best plan. Uncle loved going out in the bush. Ezzy was anxious about going, but Marcus was now as keen as mustard. He had read all about Maori warriors and Tohunga's and couldn’t wait to meet one. They had both read the section in Nanas book on mauri and were feeling a bit better about their next task.
“Wow, we’re going to have magic stones, how awesome is that” said Marcus
“They’re not really magic, just sacred, kind of special to look after us, I think.”
“In the book it says that Tohunga’s sometimes used them to control the waters on a voyage, and sometimes to make the waters abundant with fish! Hey do you think I could do that? Dad would be stoked.” Marcus could see their next fishing trip already.
“I’m not really sure… I suppose it depends on the words you say.” Ezzy pored over the book. “It says here that they put our wairua into the mauri / whatu – which is our stones and this bit says –‘Sometimes they can also locate and implant the gods in the stone to protect the traveler. How do they fit in there? Do you think it’s going to be really heavy to carry around? Maybe we should go and get my trolley bag.” Ezzy looked up at Marcus. “I wonder if it’s like a genie.” They weren’t too heavy to carry about, how else could they live in lamps and bottles.
“Who cares, what about the water thing?” said Marcus.
“We could try it out a little bit,” Ezzy grinned. “But what if the magic, I mean special stuff washes off?”
Marcus grabbed the book and had a look.
“The Tohunga has to remove the “powers” after the journey is over. So I guess it should be okay in the water.”
“Do you think it’s like having ghosts following us around?”
“Only ones that like us though- That should be okay shouldn’t it?”
“I suppose so.” Ezzy was still dubious.
“Do you think Tane could be in mine?” Said Marcus
“Dunno-suppose so.”
. “Do you think we should tell Dad? He wouldn’t mind. He’d be really good.” Marcus told his Dad everything.
“No. He won’t believe us anyway. If we don’t go we'll be in real danger, that’s what Hutu said. We’ll probably only be half an hour. He won’t even know we’re gone.
“Okay” Marcus replied, but he didn’t look convinced.
BREAKFAST” Marcus’ Mum Meta called to them from the kitchen. Their mouths started to water. Marcus stood up.
“We better have another look, before we go.” Ezzy said. They both peered back into their book. “What’s this down the bottom?
WARNING: Do not lose the Mauri/ whatu, or disaster will surely overtake you. If found by others they can use against you and cause great harm.
They looked at each other but by silent agreement closed the book shut. Their child’s minds needed the excitement and promise of treasures to propel them forward, otherwise they would both run into the bedroom and hide under the bed until it was safe to get out again. Ezzy didn’t tell Marcus she was scared and Marcus wasn’t about to tell Ezzy that he was scared.
Ezzy stood up, and opened the door-
“Why don’t we take some of your fishing line, then we can tie the stones around our necks so we don’t lose them.”
YOU ARE READING
HOLES IN THE FABRIC: Bk 1 The Weaver Prophecy
FantasyThe time for the Weaver Prophecy to occur is at hand. The Ancient powers have been lying in wait for the Weaver to come and awaken them. The world of the supernatural and the everyday become entwined as the boundaries become shakey. Moana plunges i...
