The Last Sundancer Read Online Free Page A

heritage, Kaichen would not be moved and he refused to try.
    The wound left behind by the loss of his father was too painful to touch.  Over time, Kaichen had allowed the invisible wound to fester and swell.  At times, he did not wish to remember his father and at other times he was almost certain that Shale walked with him, right by his side. 
    “Your father would have danced in victory for his people.” Azin’s words stopped Kaichen as he started to walk away.
    “Do not speak of my father.” Kaichen spoke in a voice filled with command.
    Despite his disrespectful outburst Azin remained silent and watchful.  Azin’s silence shamed him more than a carefully crafted response.
    Kaichen expected the older man to exact some form of punishment or speak harshly in his anger.  But Azin did nothing.  He simply stared at him as if he had learned a secret thing about Kaichen.  Suddenly, Kaichen felt young, open and exposed.    
    Azin could not force the dance out of Kaichen and he knew better than to call the young man’s loyalty into question.  He could only hope that one day Kaichen would try to become all that lived inside of him.  If he did not walk upon the path set before him then all was lost. 
    “Do you know the four elements?” Azin asked the question in a teacher’s voice long after the day when Kaichen had refused to dance. 
    Azin spoke in the way of his people from times long lasting until now.  The old taught the young and aided them into adulthood.  Azin knew that he was especially blessed to be chosen to help Kaichen.
    “Fire, air, water and the land of our birth.” Kaichen’s voice was firm and confidant.  He had been taught by Azin since he first came to him so many seasons ago.  The way that the man taught was familiar to him and as comfortable as breathing.
    “Which of these elements is the greatest?” Azin’s question caused Kaichen to raise his eyebrows and narrow his eyes.
    Never before had Azin asked such a thing and Kaichen did not rush his response. Instead, he closed his eyes and studied the question from all of the various angles.  He found that each answer that he came up with could be dismissed by the other.
    Kaichen studied Azin’s eyes.  Azin gave nothing away and it was in this way that Kaichen knew that he was being tested.
    “Each element exis ts in balance with the others.” Kaichen gave his answer after much thought and Azin’s eyes widened slightly before he nodded. 
    “My grandfather asked me that question when I had completed my training as medicine man for our band.  I gave him the wrong answer.” Azin allowed his words to ring in the silence of the mo rning for a long time.
    Kaichen did not interrupt with words or unnecessary speech. Long ago, Azin had helped him to understand the value of silence.  Kaichen knew that a strong warrior and able hunter valued silence.  The absence of speech often communicated far more than mere words could contain.
    “You have learned all that I am able to teach you.” Azin’s spoke with carefully concealed disappointment.  He knew that this day would come, but it seemed as if the seasons fell through his fingers like sand, disappearing too quickly. 
    Kaichen was ready to return to his first village.  Azin no longer had a reason to keep Kaichen at his side.  The young man seemed to sense that Azin had released him from further instruction for the day.  Kaichen stood and bowed his head respectfully before he took his leave.  He had promised to hunt for food tomorrow, so that he could add to their food stores.  Kaichen would not benefit from food left behind, but he wanted to ensure that Azin was not left in need.  Azin watched the young man until he faded from sight. 
     
     
    “How far do you wish to travel in search of the herd of buffalo?” Antuk asked his question without any show of concern.  Kaichen knew that his friend enjoyed the wide open spaces, as much as he did.  As long as their supply of food