[Chapter 4] The Last Elder of History

Chapter 4: A Sky the Color of Warning

This is the next installment of a serialized story about an increasingly probable outcome due to looming climate change. The story and every chapter will be available to subscribers. You can get started with a free 30-day trial below:

Without further ado, here is Chapter 4: A Sky the Color of Warning

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For hours after this ritual, Hemi remained in the fale, in this sanctuary of the past. While Leilani and others organized the grim tasks of assessing the contaminated water, salvaging soaked belongings, and checking the stability of damaged homes, Hemi sat on his mat with his back straight and his eyes half-closed.

He began to chant, chanting the long epics of their people, of the great migration when their ancestors navigated treacherous seas guided only by stars and swells to find this very land. He chanted of heroes who battled krakens and outsmarted trickster gods. He chanted of past cyclones weathered and droughts survived. His voice rose and fell in ancient rhythms.

The chanting filled the fale with a low, resonant hum. Some of the older villagers listened quietly, finding comfort in the familiar. Others, busy with practical tasks, ignored him and exchanged weary glances with each other.

At one point, Leilani entered the fale.

"Elder Hemi," she began, sounding tired but firm.