Free Across the Spectrum by Pati Nagle, editors Deborah J. Ross

then squeezed me back. After a
long hug we held each other at arms’ length. There were tears in Natsiq’s eyes,
but she held her chin high and smiled as she shouted above the din of the
crowd: “You have performed adequately!”
    After that my training only increased in intensity. The
final ceremony of the great hunt would begin in just two days. I drilled
constantly, until my muscles ached and the rhythms of the traditional chants
controlled even my dreams. I ate only sacred meals, building up my spiritual
energy for the hunt. I cleaned and inspected every part of my ceremonial
garments over and over. Meanwhile the elders and hunters completed the
preparation of the great hunt totem, moving it from the carving place to the
rocky valley nearby and standing it erect.
    The morning of the final ceremony found me fully awake
before first light. I had slept, but fitfully; I was too excited. I was even a
little scared. I knew that not every hunter returns from the great hunt. Totems
lose their way; hunters’ souls escape through unnoticed tears in their
clothing; ice boulders crush hunters by accident.
    I reminded myself that, even if I did not return, I would
represent my clan in the great hunt and bring honor on us all. Some clans are
too poor to trade with the glass people. Some do not complete their totems in
time, or do not find any successful candidates among their young people. Our
clan is great, and has participated in every great hunt since time began. Be
proud of this.
    I walked alone in the predawn light to the valley where my
totem awaited me. The rising sun shone on the bold red, black, and white
patterns. I greeted noble Bear, brave Badger, clever Hare, and mighty Raven—who
glittered in the sun with the bits of glass and metal worked into his
design—and wished them well for the great hunt. Then I returned to camp, where
the whole clan was beginning preparations for the day’s ceremonies.
    My day began with a substantial breakfast, to sustain me for
the hunt. I would eat only the most consecrated foods on the hunt itself. Then
I cleansed myself three times and donned once more the ritual garments. The
elders inspected them carefully before I dressed, and again once I was fully
costumed, to be sure my soul would be properly protected from the hazards of
the hunt. Finally I sealed the headdress onto my shoulders, and the elders and
I walked slowly down to the rocky valley.
    The other candidates were there, standing in a ring around
the great hunt totem, all wearing their ceremonial garb. Around them in a
larger ring was gathered the whole clan. As soon as we came in view, a great
shout went up from the crowd, and they all chanted my name song as I walked
with the elders to the center. Once we had seated ourselves, the drums began
pounding and the candidates leapt into the ice boulder dance, to bring me luck
on the hunt. I was very proud of them.
    After the dance, the candidates stood panting before me and
the elders. Grandfather Umingmak thanked them for their efforts and encouraged
all the people to bend their thoughts toward success in the great hunt. Then a
climbing pole was brought in for me to ascend the totem. My heart leapt in my
chest as I realized the great hunt itself was about to begin.
    My mother and father held the pole steady, and I formally
thanked them for birthing and raising me before I clambered to the top. There I
found a pot of paint and a brush waiting. As I spoke the words of the awakening
chant, I carefully painted in the pupils of Raven’s eyes so he would guide the
totem safely. I made them as big and as round as I could so that he could see
clearly. When I was finished I lowered the pot and brush on a cord to the
elders below, then stepped inside Raven’s body. The climbing pole was pulled
away as I fastened the door behind me.
    The hollow space inside Raven was glorious with color. The
entire space was painted with a single giant image of Raven, centered on the
seat carved into the