In this way were the Priests of the Bow established by teaching of the Two, whose breaths of destruction each one of them breathed in due part, and no-one could resist or defy them, no, not even the fathers whose speakers they were, and with whom none might contest, not even sorcerers, whose scourgers they were—nor yet the Fearful!

   And so, when on a dark night thereafter the world groaned and the shells sounded warning, all together the Two and these their few warriors sought the priest-fathers of the people, bidding them take in hand for carrying, their precious possessions. And swiftly and sternly too they wakened all sleepers, old ones and young, and those who obeyed them were gathered in clan-lines and led off to safety, for Áhaiyuta, the elder, and his warriors journeyed before them, and Mátsailema, the younger, and his warriors followed behind—pshields of thd people, makers and destroyers of pathways! But those who loved sleeping or who murmured like children were left to their evil; they were choked by the black flames, or buried in the walls of their houses, which fell when presently the earth heaved with dire fumes, fire and thunder. Their bones are still digged by the gopher and marmot.

   Thus, from country to country journeyed the people, their fatlhers the priests and the keepers of the mysteries, with the womn and children while before them, from valley to valley, the Bow-priests swept danger away.





©1996, Richard Hooker

For information contact: Richard Hines
Updated 6-6-1999