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

turned slowly at the near edge of the pack, and began the stalking
dance. In this dance, and the accompanying chant, the hunter must bring all his
skills to bear. It is not simple memorization; each movement and word must be
carefully chosen for the current situation.
    The pole game is important to the great hunt because it is
preparation for the stalking dance. In the pole game, you must learn to move
your body this way so you do not fall that way. The stalking
dance uses the same moves, but the dancer’s movements cause the bells and
rattles on the ceremonial garments to sound in certain ways. Raven and Hare
hear these sounds, and move the entire totem in the desired direction. The
belts and amulets on the sacred garments must be positioned and fastened
exactly properly for this to work.
    Gingerly I moved up on my chosen prey, quietly chanting
reassurances. Ice boulders will never attack a person deliberately, but they
are stubborn, and that makes them dangerous. Many hunters have been killed
simply by getting between two boulders intent on each other. Raven and Hare
muttered in my ears as they nudged my totem closer and closer to the boulder’s
gray, pockmarked surface. The closer I got, the bigger it appeared and the
faster it seemed to tumble, but I fought down my fear: I was determined to
bring down this boulder for the sake of our clan and the whole people.
    Finally I was within striking distance. With a great cry I
lunged with my whole body; clever Hare heard the rattling beads and shoved the
totem forward to meet the boulder. Raven’s open beak bit into the boulder with
a mighty crunch. I wiggled my shoulders a bit to sound the bells there, and I
felt Hare try to move the totem in response, but Raven’s beak was firmly set.
We had captured the boulder!
    The stalking dance concluded with a series of moves that
stopped the boulder’s tumbling. Next came the Hare chant, which thanks Hare for
his assistance in the stalking dance, then concludes with these words: “Clever
Hare, hear my voice: send this boulder home for my people from the great hunt!”
Hare stretched his legs, propelling Raven, the boulder, and myself forward with
a shuddering jolt, then leapt away. I saw the Hare totem tumble away behind me,
empty, as Hare’s spirit departed.
    The great hunt was nearly concluded. Thanks to Hare, the ice
boulder was now headed toward the red world below, where it would give its life
so that all the people can have air to breathe and water to drink. I thanked
the boulder for this sacrifice and promised once more to remember it in my
songs and stories, then began the Raven chant.
    The Raven chant combines elements of the stalking chant and
the Hare chant, and ends with these words: “Mighty Raven, hear my voice: spread
your wings and carry me home from the great hunt!” But though I spoke the words
properly and pressed the Raven amulet firmly, Raven did not release his hold on
the boulder.
    I was so shocked I did not even complete the final phrase.
Raven had been so kind and helpful so far, I could not believe he would let me
down now. But Raven is the Trickster as well as the Creator, and he had chosen
this moment to play a trick on me.
    Not knowing what else to do, I repeated the entire Raven
chant, raising my voice as loud as I dared and pressing hard on the amulet with
the final words, but again nothing happened.
    For long moments I simply sat, open-jawed, there in Raven’s
embrace. What could I have done wrong? I had performed every chant, every
dance, faithfully and well. I did not recall missing any steps or dropping any
syllables. Yet for some reason Raven refused to cooperate.
    Then I remembered Raven’s greed, and how he stole the sun.
Yes, Raven put the sun into the sky and brought light to the people, but it was
not only for our benefit; it was because he wanted it! Obviously Raven
was particularly fond of this ice boulder for some reason, and had decided to
hold on to it. I had to convince him to let