Eagle Swamp by Des Hunt

Author:Des Hunt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Des Hunt

15th Century:

12 – Conflict

Jack was jammed in the single-file line between the two male warriors and the old woman called Kuia. They were marching from the river towards the hut where Mike was sheltered. Chainsaw had gone, running off with Kurī the moment Oma’s waka had touched the bank – the dog knew to stay well clear of angry humans. Oma was further back walking in front of her brothers. Jack could hear her trying to explain about the eclipse, but none of the others wanted to know. For them, the sun’s disappearance was caused by the white devils – the pakepakehā.

Although Jack was still scared, the terror he’d felt at first had gone. He now realised the waving of taiaha and patu was a ritual intended to scare him. With the patu now tucked in waistbands he was more relaxed about the situation.

This changed when they arrived at the hut. The clubs came out again as the warriors formed a semicircle around the entrance. Jack was pushed to the front. He didn’t know whether he was meant to go in or not. He waited.

Next, Kuia stepped forward and called out. When there was no reply from within, she called again. Still nothing. The woman turned and said something to the eldest man. Jack was grabbed, his arms pulled behind his back.

“Ko koe!” said Kuia. “Karanga!”

Jack understood. “Mike!” he called.

Nothing.

“Mike!” He called more urgently.

This time there was a reply – a loud “Meow!” A moment later Chainsaw appeared at the entrance. He meowed again, his fur spiky, and tail flicking from side to side, as if he alone would defend Mike Rackman.

Kuia turned to Jack. “He aha tēnā?”

“He ngeru,” said Jack. “Ko … Hēnihō … ingoa tēnā.

“Hēnihō?”

“Hēnihō,” said Jack, repeating the Māori word he’d just made up for Chainsaw. He hoped it didn’t have some offensive meaning.

The woman smiled as she repeated the name.

Jack also smiled, thinking he’d made a breakthrough.

“Hēnihō,” he said, pointing to Chainsaw, then he tapped his chest, “Haki.”

“Kia ora, Haki.” She made a motion with her hand, and Jack’s arms were released.

He stepped forward to the hut, bending over to give Chainsaw a calming pat. He stretched his arm towards the entrance. “Nau mai, haere mai … um … ko Mikaera.” He knew it wasn’t quite right, but the woman seemed to get the message. She stepped forward and entered the hut.

Jack held back, unsure of what to do next.

Minutes passed without any conversation either inside or outside the hut. Chainsaw moved off to be with Kurī who was resting in the shade. The warriors continued to glare at Jack and Chainsaw. The younger whanau members stood, heads down, knowing they were not yet out of trouble.

Finally, a call from within the hut. “Oma! Kawea mai tō kete. Tere!”

Oma picked up the kete and rushed inside.

A murmur of conversation followed which included Mike’s voice. This took several minutes before Kuia and Oma came out.

Orders were issued. First to the men, who after a barrage of words, jogged off towards the river.

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