The Thinking Rocks by C. Allan Butkus Page A

use. 
They couldn't understand why Koonai and Gennos were making such a big thing of
it.  Gennos then demonstrated the power by chopping through a thick
branch.  A murmur went through the assemble hunters as they realized what
they were seeing.
    Koonai moved
forward and surveyed the clan; he smiled to himself.  It had been a good
day and the Great Spirit was pleased.  "It is time to eat. 
After you have eaten, those of you who want one of the new things can speak
with Gennos and he will show you how to make it."
    The gathering broke
into small groups as they began to eat.  Each group had its own needs and
wants.  When there is a full stomach the next need surfaces.
    Bana was not
happy.  They were all eating his food and he hadn't gotten the recognition
that he deserved as a great hunter.  Cano kills a lousy snake and they
make a big thing out of it.  His brother the cripple ties a piece of rock
to a stick and everyone gets excited.  Let them try to eat the stick and
rock next time they get hungry. Then we will see who is more important around
here.
    Sorou was happy with her
place in life.  She was the chief's daughter, young, beautiful, and she
wanted Cano.  She was sure that she could get him if she could get him
alone.  She didn't like his brother; he made her feel uncomfortable. 
She wasn't sure if it was because he couldn't walk well or if it was something
else. She disliked him as much as she wanted Cano.  She smiled as she
combed her hair with a pad of shorthaired mammoth hide. She let out a short
sigh.  I will have my way, she thought.
    Loki was happy even
though Koonai had made a big thing about his falling down.  Anyone could
fall down; anyone could trip.  But I got up and still made a kill. 
Loki smiled to himself; he had the clan laughing and gotten big smiles from
both Ceola and Sorou.  As he thought about Ceola, his smile faded. 
She was ready now. It was time he moved.  Cano was not going to get her
without a fight.  He had competition coming at him out of the
shadows.  But first things first, time to put a plan in action, and then
start to make a necklace to put before her fire.
    Ceola was excited, she
was happy with her place in life.  She was going to meet Cano at the big
rock by the river.  She had completed her rites of passage and was now a
woman.  Well, almost a woman.  After tonight, she would have Cano and
be a woman.  The Great Spirit was kind to her and life was good.  She
would have a mate that cared for her as much as she cared for
him.    Dola wasn't happy; his bottom was still stinging because
of Ceola’s "Talk" with him.  Was it really his fault that his
sister was frightened when he rushed over to say hello?  If Ceola was
Cano's mate she wouldn't do things like that, Cano wouldn't let her. When I am
a great hunter, things like this won't happen, he thought.
    Gennos
wasn't sure if he was happy or not.  This new thing was important; he had
no doubt.  His problem was that he wasn't sure if the thing was good or
bad.  It may have been better to just do things as they had always done
them.  The old ways were good ways; they had been tested by time and had
proved their value.  The new was frightening, like walking into the forest
at night.  Gennos had a thought that brought a smile to his face; it would
probably be better to walk into the forest at night with one of the new things
than without it.
    Cano was a
man in love.  He had wanted her for a long time and now the time was
here.  He would see her tonight at the big Rock. Tonight she would please
him and he would have her.  He would have someone that was his.  His
mate; his woman.  Someone to travel through life with.  The world was
good.
    The Cat
     
    This land had seen many creatures
come, live, and then vanish. Years before another ritual had taken place in
this same area.  The participants were not human but they had many of the
same needs and wants, strengths and weaknesses.  Then as today, it