CH 14
Almost the end of this one. One More chapter! Will Adrian pop the question?
Home Coming
Randy and Leland called agent Grooms with the FBI and told them about the Sons Of Thunder. The FBI jumped on it and quickly rounded up most of the men and the remains of Billy James' boys, Billy and Charlie, but Billy James was nowhere to be found. The cave, after being documented, was given back to the Navajo people. Ben drove Leland, Randy and Adrian back to the village that night, eager for the liberation of the rest of his clan.
When the three men got to the village, the elders gathered around them and blessed them in song and dance. Adrian could hear the joy in the song and smiled. After some food and dancing, Thomas stood and put his hands up to stop the proceedings. Everyone sat around the campfire as Thomas began to speak in Navajo. "Tomorrow we will celebrate the return of our children!" Ben translated. The elders whooped. Leland, Randy and Adrian chuckled at their excitement.
"Now, our Warriors must rest and tomorrow we will prepare them for the celebration!"
Adrian worried about what them being prepared might entail. He looked at Leland apprehensively, but Leland only held a silly grin. Adrian hoped he was only punchy from fatigue.
Ben approached the three friends. "Go now and sleep. We will see you in the morning."
Leland looked at his friends, slapped his knees and stood. Adrian and Randy stood with him and nodded to Ben, and then they disappeared into their Hogan. That night, Adrian slept deeply and dreamed of his woman, Natalie.
Adrian was up, just before sunrise and took a walk out onto the plain of the east Arizona desert. He found a relatively clean rock and sat atop it, facing the eastern horizon and contemplated the beauty rising before him. The red ball of fire painted the desert mesas and walls with hues of purple and pink. The air was warm. As Adrian watched, he realized something he never would have, had he not ever gone to Arizona and to the Diné people. What he saw before him and all the nature around him was pure excellence and order. That perfection and order could only come from the perfect Creator he'd just met on this trip. Everything was flawless. He smiled at that. His woman, as Thomas called her, was faultless. He felt understanding fill his being as the sun's rays flooded the desert. He closed his eyes with a sigh and lifted his face to the sky as his ever-present eagle above gave a cry. He recalled one of Trudy's poems and recited it to himself.
"The snows that burn away, like tears of God, reveal the world anew. We are reborn. Nothing is lost forever." He paused with a sigh. "Thank you, Great Creator."
Slowly, Adrian opened his eyes and saw the Mustang he'd ridden the day before, standing facing him in the distance. The rest of the herd ran past in the far distance, and then the Mustang took off with them.
Adrian returned to the village. When he got there, he saw the men and women from the cave hurrying out of several FBI vans and reuniting with their loved ones. It was a scene that brought tears to Adrian's eyes, as he watched Ben welcome his friends, but unable to welcome his son and daughter-in-law. At least he had Daniel safe and sound, even if his arm was in a sling.
Adrian stepped up to Ben and put his hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. Then he walked over to Randy and Leland who were just emerging from their Hogan. The three stood in the background smiling, observing, and satisfied with the feeling that this had been their best case yet.
A great feast was made of the best Indian tacos and native vegetables, and the whole clan, including Adrian, Randy and Leland ate together. Adrian found the taco unnerving at first but as he watched Daniel, happy again and talking, he decided to accept the challenge and grow even more.
After the meal, Ben informed the three friends that they would be honored as warriors. Once again, worry crept over Adrian's face, as he wondered what that might mean. He'd read about the various traditions but knew each clan could add or subtract their own ideas and traditions, as they felt appropriate. He did find out to his horror, that Ben meant what he said about the women bathing the men.
"These are ceremonial shirts. You will put these on," Ben said. Adrian took his and headed for the Hogan. Ben grabbed Adrian's arm. "After your bath," he smirked.
Adrian froze. His back still to Ben. Three single and very beautiful Navajo women stood beside Ben. Each held an intricately woven basket filled with mud, herbs and towels. Randy and Leland smiled broadly at the thought of their backs being scrubbed by these women. Adrian turned around and when he saw the women, he nearly dropped the shirt he held. He bobbled it, then backed himself toward the Hogan.
Leland sighed and grabbed his other arm before he could break free and make a retreat. "Monk, I know this is really scary for you but-"
"Scary!?" he almost yelled. "It's indecent! I'm almost a married man!"
Leland rolled his eyes. "It's nothing, you'll be under water. Look, you can wear your jeans," he promised, when Adrian's expression still held terror. "Ben said they only scrub our backs." Adrian blinked nervously, shaking visibly. "I promise. Hey, Natalie did it and you didn't mind then."
"That was Natalie. Oh God! I'm not even married and I'm cheating on her already."
"Monk, You're not cheating on her. You're honoring your guest's traditions."
"So- if they wanted me to sleep with their women because it was tradition I should?!"
"Well, no," Leland said.
"Okay then!"
"But they aren't asking you to, are they?" Leland reasoned.
"It's close enough!"
"It is not. You're being ridiculous! Do you want to offend this clan?" Leland asked with exasperation. Ben offered a scowl on cue.
"No," Adrian whined, almost about to cry.
"Then let's go," Leland demanded.
Adrian didn't move so Leland took him by the back of the neck and guided him toward their pond. When Adrian saw the women, he froze again and averted his eyes. Ben chuckled.
"Come on, they don't bite," Leland encouraged.
"It's not the biting I'm worried about," Adrian mumbled.
Leland and Randy followed Ben and the Women, but Adrian hadn't moved. Leland glanced back, then stepped back to Adrian and grabbed him again. He resisted enough to warrant help.
"Randy." Randy was too preoccupied with the young women to notice. "Randy!" Leland said louder.
Randy turned, seeing the situation. He grabbed Adrian's other arm and together they walked him outside the camp to a large manmade pool of water.
"Okay, here's the thing," Adrian began, digging his boots into the dirt.
"What?" Leland asked, getting annoyed now.
"Okay, okay, okay, wait!" Monk insisted. Leland exhaled loudly waiting for the lame excuse about to tumble off Adrian's lips. "Make, make everyone turn around."
"Why, you're going to keep your pants on."
"Are you?"
"Maybe."
"That's sick!"
"Get in!" Leland had had enough, and he and Randy threw Adrian into the pool, boots and all. Adrian came up in time to see Randy and Leland strip to their skivvies. He turned and ducked under water. When he heard splashing, he knew they were in and came up for air. Randy and Leland then made their way to the ledge that had been dug to sit on. It was about two feet deep and served as a seat, circling the entire pond. Then it dropped off to four and then six feet in the middle, which is where Adrian remained, treading water. He watched as two women knelt behind Randy and Leland and began slathering mud on their backs. They groaned as the cool mud hit their skin.
"Oh yeah," Randy smiled. Adrian's masseuse, looked sadly at Ben then back to Adrian.
"Adrian, it's healing mud," Ben encouraged.
"Shirt," Leland ordered.
Adrian hesitated, and then reluctantly pulled his t-shirt over his head. He began to fold the drenched shirt nervously.
"Scuze me," Leland said, and waded out to Adrian and dragged him to the seat ledge.
Adrian put his shirt on dry ground and pulled his boots off, poured out the water, and set them in the sun. Leland smiled approvingly. Then Adrian hugged himself trying to cover up as the young woman knelt behind him. He trembled with embarrassment and cringed as she gently smeared mud onto his scraped and bruised back. He slightly jumped and moved awkwardly every time her hands massaged a different part of his shoulders back and arms. Leland and Randy were thoroughly enjoying the attention they were getting and let out little sighs of delight every so often, making Adrian even more uncomfortable. "Get a room for God's sake," he finally snapped.
Leland just opened one eye at him then closed it again, letting out a loud groan. Adrian covered his face in his hands, shaking his head.
Randy was so enjoying his back rub he was seriously considering staying on at the Rez and asking this girl to marry him. He wondered if he had to scalp anyone to prove his manhood or buy his bride. He shook his head with a silent smile figuring that was probably something Hollywood had come up with.
Leland glanced at Adrian who still held a pensive expression. "Relax, Monk. She's not taking you to bed."
"It's almost an invitation, what are you talking about?"
"Tell me. If Natalie did this, you two would end up in bed?" he teased, knowing how far from the truth that was.
"You can't tell Natalie about this."
"You didn't answer my question."
"No. I'm ignoring your question."
"How about if I just tell her you took a bath in front of a whole tribe of beautiful women?"
"Leland! She wouldn't believe it!" Adrian's face reddened even more than the mud on his back.
"Relax. Even for a minute, or I'll punch you out and you'll have no choice."
"You wouldn't."
"Try me," Leland threatened.
Adrian decided he didn't want a forced nap, especially around a strange woman. There was no telling what Randy and Leland might do in the name of a bachelor party. This woman might take advantage of him and then how would he ever face Natalie or himself? It was torment to think about, so he took a few shaky breaths and forced himself to relax. He focused on Natalie and imagined it was her slathering his back with mud. After a few moments, he realized it actually felt pretty good and a slight smile played on his lips. Then, it was over.
The women instructed the men to sit and wait while the mud dried with the herbs. Then they were to get back into the pool and wash it off. When it came time to dunk themselves, Adrian was the first in and the first out. He grabbed his now dry boots and took the towel from his masseuse, wrapping himself in it and hurried to the Hogan, trying to avoid having to see Randy and Leland in their skivvies again.
Adrian changed out of his wet jeans into the new one's Natalie had bought him. He put on the handsome plains ceremonial shirt. It was a deep burgundy with yellow and sky blue ribbons. He pulled his boots back on and stepped outside. He wrung his clothes out behind the Hogan. When he came back around, Leland and Randy were just approaching, towels wrapped around their waists. Adrian shielded his eyes and kept going. One of the grandmothers met him and took his wet clothing to hang them out to dry for him. It was a sweet gesture he thought, but his plan was to burn them. The rest of the tribe was making more preparations and more food for the coming celebration that evening.
Adrian stayed quietly in the background, observing the people he was becoming familiar and comfortable with, and ones he wanted to call family. He smiled as he watched the now happy children playing with each other. He wondered for a moment if Natalie would want another child. His smile grew and he shook his head at himself as a thought that would never have come to him just six months ago, entered the forefront of his mind. 'I just may enjoy finding out.'
Leland came up to him then and clapped him on the shoulder. "You look pleased about something. Want to share?"
"Mmm, nope," he answered flatly.
"Fair enough." Leland took a seat and watched Randy flirt with all the beautiful young Navajo women. He was quite animated as he told of their adventures of the past few days. Finally, the dinner bell rang and the whole clan gathered and shared in the feast. Afterward, just before sunset, the men and women did a celebration dance.
Ben presented Adrian, Leland and Randy before the whole clan. Thomas walked up to Leland, who was wearing a royal blue plains ribbon shirt with tiny intricate, almost microscopic flowers on it. Red, yellow and white ribbons cascaded down the front of the shirt in an even line. Blue was the color of calm to the Native American.
Thomas spoke a blessing over him. "You have the heart of a lion. Fiercely protective, powerful, swift and balanced. A hunter of dreams." Leland let a small smile dance on his lips as he furrowed his brow. You are "Nashdoitsoh" Cougar," Ben translated.
Ben handed Thomas a silver medallion, stamped with a cougar's paw print on it. Thomas placed it around Leland's neck. Leland's smile grew and a twinkle was in his eyes. But he wondered how Thomas had known his spirit animal.
Thomas then stepped over to Randy, who grinned with excitement at what Thomas would tell him. Thomas spoke in Navajo. "She has found you," Ben began the translation. Randy looked at Adrian, eyes wide with amazement. Adrian just smiled, shifted his shoulders and looked up at the ever-reddening sky of sunset. As ever, his Golden Eagle was there. "You have a wild spirit like Tii, the horse. A spirit that can't be broken. She gives you strength, intellect, wisdom, power, and freedom." Randy beamed proudly, as Thomas put a silver medallion around his neck. On it was carved an ancient horse symbol. "Your name is Nihéédoochid, 'Freedom'."
Randy inspected his medallion and leaned close to Leland to show him. Leland put his arm around his shoulder with a smile and a nod, acknowledging his blessing.
Then Thomas stepped over to Adrian. Leland and Randy along with the whole clan now focused on him. He suddenly felt uncomfortable being the center of attention. Thomas placed both hands on either side of Adrian's face and put his forehead to his. He smiled at Adrian, and then patted his shoulders. Adrian returned the smile, feeling joy pouring over his soul. Ben beamed proudly as the clan began to sing a Navajo song quietly. How they all loved their brother, Adrian Monk, who had heard, listened, and responded to the Great Creator by returning the clan to its rightful balance and setting, whole and safe.
"The Eagle has carried our prayers for you to the Great Creator. You and the Eagle are our brothers. You have sacrificed for your people. You have connected with the Creator and His Divine Spirit. He has illuminated you with His Spirit and brought you healing and freedom." Thomas put his hand to Adrian's heart and Adrian nodded with realization and understanding. "You have learned to become a risk-taker, because you have learned of the love inside of you."
Tears slowly slipped down Adrian's face. Leland wiped a tear from his own eyes and Randy just let his flow freely. Randy was now officially proud to have Adrian Monk as a friend and mentor.
Ben continued Thomas' blessing. "You will share this love with others because the Great Creator wants you to." Thomas took the feather from around Adrian's neck and cut the leather loop, shortening it. He then tied it to the longer strands of hair at the back of Adrian's neck. He drew the feather forward, letting it drape over his left shoulder. Thomas nodded once. Ben then handed Thomas a bone choker with a carved bone talon at its center to represent an Eagle talon. As he tied it around Adrian's neck, Adrian's emotions ran the gamut from sad to happy, proud to humble.
"Our brother, your name is 'Hwii'ts'zinnii', 'Spirit Man'." When Ben translated this, Randy's eyes nearly popped out of his head and Leland's eyebrows raised in amazement.
The clan's song escalated to a celebrative whoop, and then they encircled the three men in a dance. The friends eventually joined the circle in the Friendship Dance. When it ended, Thomas stepped forward with a prayer fan and spoke a 'Grandfather's Prayer'.
"Oh, Great Creator of all that lies before me, I am grateful You have traveled through life with me. Please continue to help me. I wish to follow in Your way." Thomas looked skyward with his hands and fan outstretched. "I wish to be true to Your direction. I wish to travel the road of new life, health and peace. For I know, many gifts come to those who follow this road. I am humbled You have not let me travel the lonely roads alone. You have comforted my hurts and problems."
Adrian then looked up with his eyes closed, a smile on his face. Slowly, his arms stretched out to his sides as he took in the prayer and made it his own.
Ben continued to translate. "Bless my mind this day to be clear and to be able to see things as they truly are. Let my soul be open to Your influence. Help me today to comprehend Mother Earth and the things upon her. Let these things teach me." Adrian's smile grew. Thomas continued. "As I have walked this road, each day has been brighter. As You have asked of me, I will believe, have faith, and look for the things You have for me. And with these things, I will bless the lives of my children, grandchildren and brothers."