Part 9 (2/2)
SIMWA
The Sparrow Hawk, without doubt. Could you give me a curse for him?
THE CHISERA
(_Rising._) Ah, you should not have asked me that. Never since my father died have I thought to regret that he did not teach me the making of evil medicine. Would I had all the curses in the world!
(_Turning piteously to him._) But you do not love me any the less because I have not one little, little curse to give you?
SIMWA
No, it is nothing. No curse can reach me past your blessing. But I would not have thought the old man would leave you wholly unprotected. Why, even I could wrong you, and, without a curse (_trying to speak lightly_) you could not punish me for it.
THE CHISERA
If no one does me no more wrong than you, Simwa, I need no cursing.
But, in truth, my father did give me--Ah, now I have thought of another gift for you, Arrow-Maker of Sagharawite! Before he died, the medicine man, my father--did I not tell you? (_she rummages eagerly in her medicine bag_)--gave me this magic arrow against my evil hour.
(_Drawing it out._) See how heavy it is, and how the blood drain is cut in a medicine writing round and round the shaft.
SIMWA
What magic has it?
THE CHISERA
That however far and feebly it is shot, it flies straight to the mark, over hills and high mountains, in the dark or light, and death rides upon its shaft. (_Laughing._) Why, you could kill even me with this arrow. See, I have tied it in your quiver, so that you may not mistake it and shoot it away on any slight occasion. It is my latest gift to you, Beloved.
SIMWA
Thanks for the gift, Chisera. Now give me the quiver. I must join the others before the Council. The fighting men were painting their faces when I came.
(_A war-whoop is heard at a distance._)
THE CHISERA
I hear shouting.
SIMWA
I must go quickly. I would not have Padahoon find me here.
THE CHISERA
Yes, he would brood upon it like a sage hen, until he had hatched mischief. Oh, Simwa, though I have prayed the G.o.ds until they and I are weary, to keep you safe in this war, yet my heart shakes to see you go. There is a beating in my breast as of the wings of vultures after battle.
SIMWA
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