"Shhhhhhh"

A voice, like the rolling waves on the shore whispered in my ear. I stooped screaming.

"Don't be afraid. I only want to look at your beauty"

I stopped struggling, but stiffened as the same icy touch fingered my face.

"Who are you?" I wanted to sound calm, unafraid but my voice was tense and squeaky. The voice chuckled, each laugh sounding like a wave rushing into a small inlet when the tide comes in. "You will recognize me when you are ready."

"I don't understand."

"I will show you."

"When?"

"In time…"

He changed the subject, moving the icy fingers into my hair.

"I will send another clam tomorrow; follow it, please."

And with that, a small breeze picked up, and seemed to blow him away. I let out the breath I was holding; a small sigh of relief. And then I felt it; His eyes watching me. I hurried back to the group.

I finished as fast as I could, eager to get away from His eyes. Only later that day, when I finished making the evening meal, did I think it over. I was frightened. Who was this…this…I didn't even know what he was! I felt like I was being hunted. My thoughts were interrupted by my father's arrival.

He was angry at something, I could tell.

"The women tell me that you left the gathering early, why!" He roared.

"I gathered enough for us…"

"You worthless…..you could have gathered more!"

I was angry now. "We don't need more; there are only two of us."

I was glad of the fact. I calculated what I had gathered so far this season and there was enough so I didn't have to go back to the water, to him.

"Take more!"

"It's not the way!" it was a sin against the gods to take more than you needed. For it was by their generosity that we got the gifts of food, clothing, and shelter.

Suddenly he stiffened "did you just tell me what is permissible?" His voice was dangerous.

I stared silently at him.

He pushed me to the ground "You will do as I say because I am the one who tells the people the will of the gods! If I say the way is wrong, it is wrong! Do you understand me?!"

"Yes" I whisper, tears in my eyes as his hand slapped my face.

I have to go back tomorrow. There is no escape.