Something Granted, Something Taken by Shari Lee Wilder
With my feet rooted in the river, I stood before the great serpent, the ancient horned snake, Uktena of the Underworld. Lightning flashed from its skull crystal. The Uktena’s scales glowed with a fiery rage. He was not pleased with the sacrifice I offered, and my wish might not be heard— a wish to save my daughter from a deathly fever.
I could still see Noya in my mind, lying on the furs at my feet. Her skin scorched my fingertips. The fever had raged through our tribe. Only the strongest survive. The High Mother motioned for the medicine man to begin. He closed his eyes and chanted a prayer, then cast the crystals on the earth by Noya. The shards had foretold death. She was too weak. I had grabbed my blowgun and pushed through the tent flap, leaving Noya with my sister. I stopped at the treeline and said a prayer to the Creator as I looked to the heavens. A red-tailed hawk flew overhead, carrying my prayer with him.
I was a Nanyehi, a war woman, and I would not cower from the fire in the serpent’s belly. I stood firm and pulled another offering from my belt— a large jackrabbit. His eyes sparked with pleasure, and he lowered his head. I reached out and touched the Ulunsuti, his skull crystal, surprisingly cool under my hand. I closed my eyes and wished, the only wish I would probably be granted in this lifetime. As my eyes opened, I saw the fire in the Uktena’s belly had melted away. Cool raindrops fell as the serpent took the offering and slid back into the river.
I turned and made my way to the village. To my only daughter.