The Last Sundancer (58 page)
Read The Last Sundancer Online
Authors: Karah Quinney
Kaichen set Amara on her feet as he turned in expectation of a new threat.
His mother stood nearby as the other women returned from the depths of the cavern with their torches lighting the way. He could barely hear over the commotion that ensued as the women reacted to the sight that greeted them. He wrapped his arms around Amara and pressed his lips against the dark fall of her hair, barely able to comprehend that she was safe and unharmed.
Antuk kept to himself though
from a distance he watched over the Sundancer and Cloud Bringing Woman.
He saw the peace that swept over Denoa’s face as the women of her village crowded around them, calling to their husbands and sons. Antuk watched and remembered every detail
and he memorized every word that was spoken.
It was in this way that the last Sundancer and his mate, Cloud Bringing Woman, became legend recreated. Their story was shared from mother to daughter and father to son.
All who listened also learned that life was not a promise, but a battle waged by those with strength and might. Theirs was a story of hope for the future and of the unyielding belief in the traditions of their people.
The day came when the time of long cold was born away by the blazing rays of the sun. Amara sat in a circle by the fire with the women that had welcomed her into their band. The men of their village were near and they were already making plans to travel to the meeting place decided upon by Kaichen, Farren and Tamol.
The
undeniable scent of the warm season was heavy in the air. It would come upon the land just as day follows night in a never ending cycle. All eyes turned to Amara as she lifted her flute to her lips and called the music forth.
She breathed life into
the song that had lived in her from the first day that she had set foot upon the red rocks. The delightful sound carried to the ears of the people protected by the red rocks and each person stopped to listen.
“Cloud Bringing Woman calls the rains which will give life to
all things.” Antuk spoke reverently as the music swelled and all grew silent.
With sound that was a delight to the ear, Amara foretold the future of their village. The flute told the story of the time of long cold and touched upon the central place
known to all. It spoke of new life, created between man and woman by bonds stronger than death.
The song was matched only by the movements of one man as he stood high above the village looking down upon the people that had accepted them into their fold.
Kaichen’s movements were almost too swift for the eye to follow as Amara called forth the story of the hunt, the victory of battle and the comfort of home. All eyes turned to the Sundancer as he leapt and twirled, dancing with power, dancing the story of their lives for all to see. With each movement he delivered a silent promise carried within the steps that spoke of victory. Within the intricate steps of the dance, he allowed himself that which he had always denied, he was the last Sundancer.
“I am with you, all the days of your life, I will be near.” Kaichen allowed the dance to flow through him as he raised his palms to the sky just as the lilting melody drew to an end.
Peace was with the one
blessed amongst all and
with his footsteps
he marked
a path that led to renewed hope for the village of his birth.
In this way, Kaichen became the last Sundancer
born to the people of the red rock canyons
and desert sands.
Kennedy Publishing
Titles by Karah Quinney:
Series
The Keeper
The Whale Hunter
The
Great Land
Sundancer
THE LAST SUNDANCER
LEGEND OF THE SUNDANCER
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Coming Soon!
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The Last Sundancer
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I would like to thank my husband and family for the unconditional love that I have come to rely upon. I sincerely thank the readers that enjoy the stories that I live, breathe and dream. It is my
sincere hope that together we have shared a story that will live inside of your imagination for years to come.
I would like to thank my editor and publisher for working hand in hand to bring these stories to life. Thank you!
