The waka hurtled towards _______ bay and its rocky shore. Feke islanders cheered, rushing the waka-ama, to get as close to Howaru as possible. Howaru's face was deliberately stern. As blunt and hardened as the Maoi statues on Rapa-nui Island, making no effort to acknowledge the crowds. He remained seated with his hoe stowed across the hull of the waka-ama, Totokono gripped in his hands. Faturaki stood behind him calling out the last of the chant while the three warrior escorts paddled a final long-stroke, riding the surf onto the beach.

  Feke children surged around the waka, dragging it further onto the beach. The warriors, looking relieved, jumped off the side to help pull. An old woman, hunched and grey, stood waiting at the bow staring at Howaru. Howaru recognised her but remained seated in the waka. She hobbled past the children, who avoided her as if she dwere diseased. Brown, watery eyes locked on his.

  "Howaru, champion of Kafiki. I curse your return in the name of my son, Faatuma." She spat into his face before turning to walk away.

  Howaru wiped her spit from his beard with a shaking hand. Faturaki climbed out of the waka behind him, shooing away the children.

  "Move children of Feke. Let Howaru get out of the boat."

  Darkness entered Howaru's vision as he seethed to himself, ten years isn't enough you old cunt! Your son was a coward by your side like an infant. I crushed his head because it served no better purpose than to illustrate my mana.'

  Some of the older children taunted the old woman as she hobbled towards the eastern path of the bay, towards the forest line beyond.

  "There will always be someone Howaru. A lot of foes waiting to seek utu, and plenty more widows and mothers. Better get used to it." Faturaki walked towards the beach, parting the way for Howaru. Two of the escorts followed, weapons in hand.

  "Children of Feke! Children of Takaroa! Clear a path for the Champion of Kafiki, Howaru!"

  Howaru climbed out of the boat, dragging Totokono behind him.

  Faturaki was pleased blood wasn't spilt on Howaru's arrival. The chief must have warned the island any acts of utu would be prohibited on Howaru's arrival. He had been nervous warriors of families, tied to Howaru through defeats, would be lining the shores in wait for an opportunity to request redress. Galiaga and Tufukia flanked Howaru with Faturaki bringing up the rear. Toru remained with the Waka-Ama unloading the remaining provisions. Lines of Takaroan warriors dressed for battle, thighs, stomach, and chests painted black, begin a welcoming chant. In unison, women and older ariki formed lines at the rear singing and swaying in a series of choreographed actions.

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  As Howaru made his way along the beach towards the main village path, Feke warriors chanted a powerful haka, imbuing him with mana, regenerating his body and muscle. Soon the chant intensified, and Howaru faltered under its power, dropping to his knees. Faturaki now began his own song and powerful incantation. Pointing his god-stick to the sky, he summoned Takaroa from the heavens in the form of a giant storm cloud.

  Lightning struck the shore, an unending line of it, travelling up the beach in search of a destination. Villagers scrambled out of its path, while the bolt of pure white energy snaked towards Howaru. He opened his arms, welcoming Takaroa's power. Instead of being blown out of the way, the lightning bolt disappeared inside his chest. A sense of calm overwhelmed Howaru. He had expected raw energy, power, to be gifted from above, but instead, the feeling was one of comfort and protection. It was a sign of Takaroa's favour and that Howaru was truly a son.

  Awestruck, the crowds began a new chant, of praise to Takaroa and Howaru. He wished this feeling would last forever but soon the clouds parted, and Ra's light broke the spell. Howaru tried to stand, but the effect of Takaroa's power weighed him down like an overflowing gourd. Galiaga and Tufukia pulled him up to his feet, slapping his back, while marvelling at the honour bestowed upon him. This time Howaru was surefooted. He felt his mana restoring and smiled now, the old bitch forgotten. He was humbled by the honour bestowed on him and the favour his atua demonstrated walking upright, without any support.

  Eventually, they made their way off the beach, wading through the crowds of people, onto the stone path leading towards the main Feke Meeting House. Villagers laid gifts of food, covering him in lei's, and pouring shells of kava for him. A young woman stopped in front of him, presenting a woven Tiputa for him. "I made this for you Howaru, for your journey into Matavai forest. It will keep you dry."

  Howaru accepted the gift, and she leaned in to hug him, refusing to let him go. He pushed her away gently and whispered, "I will find you later, what's your name, beautiful?"

  Faturaki grabbed the young woman by the wrist and turned her away before she could speak. "We don't have time for that right now, Howaru." Addressing the crowds, Faturaki now asked for quiet. He gave a final blessing and thanks to their god and to all the people of Feke. Together they walked into the main village, triumphant warriors returning with their prize, Howaru.

  Howaru now acknowledged the crowds, waving and allowing to be hongi by several of the senior warriors before entering the gates of the village. More villagers were waiting, including the village chief Taumatafiti and his entourage. Paku, Feke's most powerful Tohunga, welcomed Faturaki with another blessing, this time simpler, the kind before a feast.

  He sprinkled water on the big man's face before slapping his shoulders lightly with bunched banana leaves dipped in blessed waters.

  The two men touched noses, sharing breath.

  "Are you hungry hero?"

  "I could eat Kafiki Motu right now old man."

  "Then we better get you fed boy because that's where we need to go."

  Chief Taumatafiti is next to greet the giant. "First we eat, then we discuss the mission, then tonight we taki."

  There is laughter and cheering from the crowd as they make their way into the meeting house.

  "And tomorrow I begin the hunt!"