Death on the Trek by Kaye George Page B

shot looks of poison at Panan and Tikihoo. Her thoughts leaked a bit and Jeek picked up a wave of animosity. Panan turned his back on Vala.
    It was strange to dance while Sister Sun shone. Jeek did not remember ever doing this before. He held the soft hand of Gunda as they whirled, helping the notes of the Singer to reach the Spirits so they would send them the help they were desperate for.

Chapter 14
    Enga Dancing Flower, the best dancer in the Hamapa tribe, danced for her life—and also for the life of her tribe. They must find a way across the wide water. There was not enough game or even plants here to support them. She whirled faster and faster, rejoicing when the others joined in. She dipped and bowed, arching her back then flinging her fire red hair. Surely Dakadaga would notice them dancing at this odd time, at high sun.
    In addition to Dakadaga, she danced to other Spirits that might help them, Wawala, the Spirit of the Waters; Puka, the Spirit of Strife; even Ka, the Spirit of Brother Earth. Those pleadings were sent so everyone could hear them, but she also sent out cloaked pleas to Aja Hama, even though she was not a true Spirit. She cloaked these thoughts in case the other Spirits might get jealous that Enga was beseeching Aja Hama, a mere Hamapa.
    She kept dancing until she was out of breath and a pain stabbed her midsection. Enga stood to one side, out of the path of the other dancers for a moment. She closed her eyes and swayed to the sounds of the music. The notes of Lakala Rippling Water were pure and true. Sannum Straight Hair did his best to provide a beat. The only thing missing was the flute of Panan One Eye. Her breathing slowed and the pain lessened slightly. The odor of sweat came from the writhing bodies. The smell of her brothers and sisters was comforting.
    Enga, rested now after her brief pause, rejoined the circle of dancers making their way around the Aja Hama figure, taking the place of the usual campfire. Could the Spirits see them without a fire lighting the dark time of Mother Sky?
    Panan sat, impassive, being comforted by Tikihoo, the Hooden named by Enga. Had Enga angered the Spirits by usurping that task and bestowing a name? No, they should not be angry. She did not intend to bestow the name. The Hooden misunderstood. She named herself. Enga had not done that. She had not angered the Spirits, she was sure. Hama had agreed with that. Who knew what Spirits watched over the Hooden? If any were to be angry, it would be those, not the ones Enga knew.
    If any Spirits were irritated with Enga, or with the Hamapa, then she just had to dance harder. Still, she addressed Aja Hama with her most private shades of thought.
    They whirled and dipped in their ragged mammoth garments, many of them with filthy, dusty arms and legs and faces, their hair straggly and loose. None of them had dipped into any water for many, many suns. Would this dancing hold any appeal? Would it help them? They thought that they must do it, on the chance that they might catch the attention of a Spirit who could get them across the water.
    Sister Sun beat down hotter and hotter. Some fell. Some had to stagger to the riverbank and drink water. Enga was determined not to stop. She lurched into Tog Flint Shaper and grabbed him around the waist to remain upright. She smiled up at her mate. Then noticed that Vala Golden Hair, who had been with Bodd Blow Striker, now had a hand on his arm. Vala smiled at Enga, but it was not a warm smile. A chill came over Enga, even in her overheated state, standing in the full sun. Enga, with her arms still around Tog, pulled and turned him away from Vala, and he returned the embrace of Enga. A wave of hot anger flowed from Vala as she drew her pretty face into an ugly sneer that Enga caught over the shoulder of Tog.
    Vala stumbled and fell into Tog. Tog had to let go of Enga and support Vala so she would not fall. Enga danced off, away from them. Vala had intended to fall against Tog. Could he