Mktena
guide me, but these rules seem open to quite a lot of individual interpretation.”
CHrnQYM/&&M& W!CHrnQ To her surprise, it wasn’t the Crescent Moon who spoke, but the Trickster, who for the most part had been quiet during the meal. “If you’ve noticed that, then you’ve learned something already. My packmates and I have an understanding,” said Natesa, with aslight inclination of her head. “They can’t help but recoil a bit at the fact I’m a metis.. . .”
“You’re selling us short!” Josh snarled. “We never.. ..”
“Did I say you had treated me wrongly? No! You must let me finish,” snapped Natesa. “What I was going to say was that even though your gut reaction is to flinch, you and Ellen have welcomed me as a pack member and judged me for my deeds, not my parentage. The general Uktena view on metis is that the parents have done wrong and must face punishment, but their child is not guilty.”
“But not necessarily innocent, either,” said Erishka, slowly.
The No Moon rewarded her with a bitter smile. “Ah, see, you already know both the letter and the spirit of the law. I’m more fortunate than some Uktena metis, who face unspoken scorn and mistrust all their days. If you want an opinion, our lot in this tribe is better thanmany, but still, life is harder than that of a homid or lupus.”
COM&&& m,?m W!BQ&P&bM&E H d H ! W Q & P & ( B d ‘‘I can speak about fighting the Wyrm,” Josh said. “You saw tonight that we take the battle against Grandfather Serpent most seriously. Even if those Spirals hadn’t been nosing around the caern, we’d still have killed them as quickly as possible. That is our way, plain and simple.”
“Well, I don’t mean to contradict you, pack leader, but there’s a bit more to it than that,” Natesa piped up.
“Yes, we slay things that belong to the Wyrm, but we also make a point of learning as much as we can about them before moving in for the kill. Let’s take that book your wife’s young shaman friend toted around for a while.”
Josh‘s mouth dropped open. “Now, wait a minute.
That’s different. He.. ..” The Trickster cut him off.
“Nope, not a bit different. And before you tell me to hush up, remember that Erishka here has earned the right to hear a secret or two. Okay, to make a long story short, this shaman friend of Rosie’s brought this old book here for Ellen to see. It was called The Diaries ofZeerne, and it had the scent of Grandfather Serpent all over it. I guess other folks would have tossed it into a fire, but some of us read it, silently, of course. Dark stuff about the Spirals and this old group of Wyrmbringers called the Society of the Weeping Moon. I did some checking, and I think they’re long gone. But ifa few are still poking around, by reading that book, I learned something about how to fight them, how to defeat them. To know the enemy is to know their weaknesses. So don’t ge the quality of those ad, young Lawgiver.” &IPM#&V!f# “Speaking of food, I guess we don’t need to tell you not around eating humans,” Natesa said, with a raised “You’re awfully optimistic,” Natesa grumbled, but she ow. Ellen shuddered.
Amp4pL &OMrn&J.2QPB&P ndigo. Maybe it happened Erishka thought it over a moment. “Hmm. 1 wonder if there are some of us who still partake of this practice. And don’t dare tell anyone?” totem as well.” &h&* mi%@ # & & h P f H f # Josh gnashed his teeth. “Though it galls me sometimes, as a pack leader and adren, I believe strongly in submitting to those of higher station. Not because I’m too proud, but because I think this law applies to both the Pure Ones and those of Wyrmcomer tribes. Again, it’s the whole thing of doing what’s proper. Gaia gave us an understanding of who is alpha, and the respect that should be accorded to those of rank. To defy this is to scorn Her path, and that’s not something any of us should do, even if we detest the ones to whom we show deference.” discount getting information from agents of the Wyrm before you destroy them.”
S W I G P ! # A & P in agreement.
“I’m not sure I can give a fair view on the issue of respecting territory,” said Josh, changing the subject. “We Uktena do it, but the Wyrmcomers and Wyrmbringers obviously didn’t. So should we ignore it, since they did, or honor it more strongly to show them a better example?”
“I think the tribe is split on that,” Ellen replied. “You’ll find, ah, extremists who think we should have a big uprising, open up casinos everywhere and take cent we can. And then there are othe not a century past. It was by example. If we take those who stole what was ours. And I believe this is dou true when talking ab werewolves and Fera alike.” nothing else after the Crescent Moon gave her a hard star culture. Even some of the Wyrmbringers ha Uktena want in return for accepting surrender?‘!
“Secrets,” Erishka answered. “That’s a no-brainer.’ “Right.. . most of the time, anyway. Knowing a sec about an adversary grants you power. The type of secret course, should fit the situation. In a fair fight, don’t ask more than is deserved. But if the opponent has ac dishonorably, you have every right to demand someth more dear.” problem with an opponent being clever or wily. After all, that’s something Uktena treasures in his own tribe, and if another imitates this trait, then in a way, it’s an honor to our “I’d like to point out that those of higher station should be worthy of the submission we give them,” Natesa added.
“Most of the time, they are, but not always.” Ellen nodded m&h&J.2&B f%&/ fiP% dM/hdb%fi “The submission to those who are greater is also reflected in granting the first share of the kill,” the Theurge said. “But this is where we can see their wisdom most clearly displayed.
Are those we honor judicious in how much meat they take?
Do they see where the need is greatest and give to those who are weak and hungry, so the pack thrives? To put it bluntly, od leader is not much fatter than his sept. Yes, he may eat ka. “What, you mean warriors. Some people think the sacrifices and tion with death were a means of keeping order olling the population. Others maintain that drinkegend has it that by eating flesh, one could capture the memories of the dead in dreams. Pretty potent medicine, if Natesa’s white eye seemed to glimmer. “Well, they sure as hell aren’t saying anything about it if they do.”
Josh coughed. “As far as respecting those who are beneath you, this is just the flip side of giving respect to elders. Because you’re a Lawgiver, you’ll probably be a pack leader, or maybe even a sept leader someday, Erishka. When that happens, don’t forget to listen to your less-experienced brothers and sisters. You’re the one who ultimately has to make decisions for the good of everyone, but you’d be surprised how much those of lesser rank can contribute.”
“Respect isn’t just something for werewolves, either,”
Natesa added. “YOU should also value animals and spirits who may be lesser beings. That goes for times that you kill prey or ask for guidance.”
“Respect for Kin goes a long way, too,” said Ellen. “We cannot accomplish nearly as much in the world of humans without their input, and only foolish Changers, like some of the Wyrmcomers, devalue their Kin.” telling Kin too much. is doubly true for hum have the capacity to believe and understand many thi shouldn’t be overly burdened by our troubles. Keeping Veil intact is one of the many great secrets we hold.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” the Ahroun said think there are a bunch of wise and worthy huma the People that woul Natesa’s voice dropped to a whisper. “That reminds of something I’ve kep ofGaiahavearitualtodothis.TheycanlifttheVeilandb in humans as if they were Kin.”
“What?” yelped Ellen. “You mean they turn hum into Kin?”
The Trickster shru it works, but at the lea in our war form. It wo wouldn’t it?”
Ellen bit her lip. “It is both a blessing and used this ritual wisely, then it could be a won werewolves. But if they performed it without foreth can imagine few harsher curses. Perhaps we should gate further?” she asked Josh.
The big Warrior nodded. “Absolutely. As soon as can.”
Erishka started to ask where in the world the No M to know that badly.
Ellen turned the conversation away from the Veil as quickly as she could. “Elders among both Changers and Kin have great value and honor among us, yet there comes a time in everyone’s life when they can no longer contribute. At this time, the elder usually undertakes a final quest or battle inspired by visions and dreams, knowing he will not return.
We respect him for knowing that it weakens the tribe to have to tend those who are sick and frail.”
“Well, it’s sort of a mixed blessing,” mutteredNatesa. ‘‘I mean, those who are eldest know more than most of us younger ones put together. And yet, they’re expected to go off and die alone. That seems kind of cruel.”
“You misunderstand,” the Theurge contradicted. “Most times, it’s only when the burden of their sickness outweighs the wisdom they give that the elders leave us. As long as they can offer something, yes, they stay. But it’s much better for them to go when their minds and bodies are so infirm, they cannot share their knowledge and experience. Even some humans realize that it’s better to die than endure a tortured life.”
“As the pack‘s No Moon, it’s my part to keep Josh here war. He or she needs all the energy and wisdom possible and the pack‘s job is to support him, usually without on. But in peace, some leaders have a tendency to get . . . though I’ve never known Josh to do that,” she added ly the best way to assure lained Ellen. “And we take the words seriously. Even “You’re probably wondering why we’re a little edgy about this law,” Natesa chimed in. “It’s because so many of our caems were taken or violated by the Wyrmcomers. So we’re more protective than ever of them today.”
“What you say is true, Natesa, but you’ve left a bit of something out,” muttered Josh. “The thing is, many of our caerns are built right on top of, well, places that shouldn’t be broken.” ‘‘I don’t understand. What’s under the caerns?” their guest asked.
Ellen gave a long sigh. “Since our pack leader brought it up, I will speak of it. Long ago, we Uktena took on the task of capturing and imprisoning powerful spirits. Some were of Grandfather Serpent, others of Grandmother Smoke and Grandfather Spider. A few of the most terrible ones were even bred from two of the Grandfathers. Our ancestors gained much accord from capturing and binding these awful Chapter Two: Feathered Oances, Hidden H ~ G + creatures deep into the bowels of the earth. What better place to hide them than under our caerns?These were sacred places always under watch and guard, where protectors would give their lives before surrendering the caern’s secrets. All went well until the arrival of the Wyrmcomers.
When we lost our caerns, we dared not tell the thieves just what they had stolen. Was this wise? I can’t say. So the end of the tale is that more than a few caerns that were once Uktena now belong to the others, who are without a clue.
They have no idea what lurks beneath. And ifwe were to tell them.. . .”
“Then they’d think the worse of us,” finished Erishka, remembering what Wind-in-the-Spruce had said. “We’d be named servants of the Wyrm or Gaia knows what.”
“Yes. That is what I fear.” The Theurge’s eyes were bright with concern.
L/ngkZM#&& W!rnQ&P Po.& “Which sort of rounds off this conversation,” Josh said, stifling a tired yawn. “The heart of being Uktena is the collection of knowledge. This is something all of us do, no matter what moon we serve. But you,” he pointed at the Philodox, “have a heavy burden in this. Our Lawgivers are in large part responsible for deciding how to use what we’ve collected and learned. And with the help of our Medicine Folk and all the others, it’s your responsibility to lead the tribe and decide where we should keep looking for new knowledge. As a Warrior and a pack leader I know sometimes it’s hard to make those decisions. Shoot, I love life just as much as the next guy and I don’t want to throw away my last breath for no good reason. But a leader often has to make those judgment calls, to go into Grandfather Serpent’s den knowing not everyone in the pack will come out alive, if the stories hidden there are worth something to our tribe as a whole.” Ellen gave him a wan smile, and Natesa nodded approvingly.
“That’s why he’s pack leader,” the metis joked. “He’s no Songkeeper, but he has a real way with words sometimes.”
The door burst open then, accompanied by a loud exclamation of distress.
“Didn’t I clearly tell you bunch to get some rest?” fussed Rosie. “Now shush up and sleep! Geez!”
Even Josh had the good manners to look a bit sheepish, and Erishka smothered a grin as she covered up with a thick wool blanket and caught some shuteye.
Erishka didn’t like the boat, not one damn bit. They’d gotten cut-rate passage on a freighter bound for Honolulu, in exchange for doing some cooking and cleaning. One of the sailors, friendlier than the others, told her that a lot of “college kids” did that to explore the world on the cheap side. Jolon seemed unusually content; he liked to watch for dolphins and whales while sitting on the prow. The only thing keeping up his companion’sspirits was her desire to see the islands and meet the Garou there. Erishka had had no idea that werewolves would live on Hawai’i, but apparently they’d been there for some time.
Erishka’s Notebook: I miss the desert. I loved beingpart ofthe puck, even for just a few days, and it makes me even more eager to finish all this travelingadget home tofindapuckofmy own tojoin. Ifeelmy placeis withmy people, notescortingJolonaround todo whatever business it is he’s got to finish. Now we’re on some damn boat, down in steerage, and ifit wasn’t for some herbs Rosie gave me, I guess I’d be upchucking about now. I am looking forward to seeingthe islands, but that’s about the only thinggoing well now.
Jolon keeps to himself more than ever, and he didn’t say much about his visit with the Arizona Kinfolk, just gave me a sly smile when I asked him if they got along. I kind of think they didn’t, because a few of them looked sort offearful when we left. Or maybe I read them wrong?
Kakai introduced herself as a No Moon to both Erishka and Jolon when they arrived on Kauai. The rest of her pack had been polite, welcoming them with the traditional human greeting of aloha, but clearly, it was the Ragabash who’d been given the duty of caring for the two guests. So she showed them to a grass hut in the shadow of thick palm trees and laid out some pupu snacks for them. Erishka couldn’t help staring at Kakai; she was possibly the most stunning creature the younger werewolf had ever seen. Her body was lean and strong, tanned from the sun, and long black hair woven with bright flowers flowed down her back.
The No Moon wore a green gown she called a muumuu, along withdelicate necklaces strung with beads and flowers.
As they entered the hut, she placed similar leis over their heads in a gesture of welcome. Erishka noticed that the Kinfolk‘s lei had different shells than her own, though they were still quite pretty, glittering in rainbow colors.
“Have you ever been to Hawai’i?” Kakai asked.
“Many years ago,” replied Jolon, as Erishka shook her head no, “and it is even more beautiful than I remember.
Your people seem to have a great deal of harmony here.”
“We probably have some different customs than do the mainland Uktena, but like many of you, we live as a family.
The old word was ohana, and some of us call our sept by this name today. I’ve been a Scout for most of my life, and I’ve traveled to a number of sacred places around the world, including the mainland.”
“Really?” asked Erishka, fingering the tiny shells of her lei. “Did you like it there?”
“It was colder than I’m used to,’’ Kakai smiled, “but yes, I saw many things that impressed me. And yet, the land spoke of sadness, too. Like these islands, it’s become oppressed by outsiders who have no harmony within them.”
“One of my happiest moments was meeting those of Uktena’s family who were born as wolves. Obviously, we don’t have many lupus on Hawai’i, and for a few seasons, I s near the Great River. It’s a the worst of the lot “Well, not exactly,” responded the girl. “My mother was Uktena, a Choctaw, but I don’t remember her. I stayed with my father who lived in town. My grandmother brought me to the reservation when I Changed.”
“Ah. Then your werewolf blood was a surpri a pattern of squiggles on waves. “I’ve been to reservations; life there is hard. But for one desti Not everything has to be concrete, as it is for t reservation life does offer them and their human centuries, for various reasons. But most came in peace. Not all, of course, but I daresay they didn’t have the intention of turning the islands into a source of cheap profits. Anyway, that’s something else about the Uktena. Over the years, we’ve taken a lot of different ethnic groups as Kin-for good reason. We’d have probably died out if we were as picky as, say, the Wendigo.”
Jolon spoke then, and both the women jumped, almost as if they’d forgotten he was there. “And what does the Uktena law say about the metis?” he asked. “Just curious. I figured as Kin, I ought to know something about mating habits.”
Erishka sensed that Kakai was a bit flustered, but the Ragabash recovered quickly. “I have heard in my travels that metis are becoming more common among us, despite the