Murder on Easter Island (26 page)

Daniel reached over and kissed her moist lips. “Do you remember what happened the last time we were here?”

Mahina pulled Daniel on top of her. “I remember
all
the times we have been here, each and every one.”

“Good,” Daniel said as he kissed her neck. “We’ll have more clothes to take off this time. Think we can manage it?”

“I believe we’ll find a way,” she said as she wrapped her arms around him.

After their lovemaking they fell asleep intertwined in each other’s arms. As the night passed, the bright stars silently moved in rhythm above them. They awoke to the sun peeking over the eastern Rapa Nui horizon.

“Are you ready for a surprise?” Mahina said as she snuggled her head on his chest.

Daniel kissed her. “I love surprises.”

“Then put on your clothes. First we must tell Tiare the news of our engagement, and then let’s all go to ‘Anakena.”

A short time later they were hiking down the mountain, headed to Hanga Roa.

“W
hat?” Tiare exclaimed. “You’re getting married?”

“Yes!” Daniel confirmed.

Mahina nodded and was all smiles as she sat next to Daniel on Tiare’s couch. She had changed clothes and wore a recently purchased, white, short-sleeved, knit shirt with beige shorts.

“We talked about it on our hike, and we plan to have the ceremony in a month or so,” said Daniel.

Mahina said, “We’d like to have our wedding in front of the Ahu Ature Huki. Not only is it near where I used to live, it is also where Dan-iel was given the inspiration to find the cave.”

Tiare said, “I am so delighted for the both of you. This pleases me greatly.”

“And one more thing,” Daniel added, “do you know of a Rapanui who could marry us?”

“I know the
perfect
person — a wise, powerful shaman who has wedded many here.”

“And who would that be?” Mahina asked.

Tiare stood up in mock indignation, “Why me, of course!”

Mahina shrieked with excitement, jumped up from the couch and hugged her. “Dan-iel, she would be perfect! What do you think?”

Daniel stood and wrapped his arms around both of them. “I can think of no one I would rather have marry us.” He paused for a moment. “Now that’s taken care of, Mahina has informed me that she has a special surprise for us. Would you like to come with us and see what it is?”

“I’d love to.”

With that, they left in Daniel’s just-rented SUV.

The three intrepid hikers walked along the coastline west of ‘Anakena. Even at ninety-four years of age, spry Tiare had no problem keeping up with them. Daniel had the distinct impression she could leave them in a cloud of dust if she wanted.

A short time later, Mahina led them to a place high above the water, with a sheer drop off into the ocean.

“This is it,” she proclaimed.

Puzzled, Daniel asked, “This is what?”

“Oh, you’ll see in a moment. If you’ll both wait here, I must climb down some distance. I’ll be back shortly.”

Mahina scaled down the cliff, clinging to the rock wall as she descended.

“Be careful,” Daniel yelled out as he watched her execute the precarious vertical face. In moments she disappeared from view.

Thirty nerve-wracking minutes later, as he looked over the edge, Mahina emerged from the cliff face far below, carrying two large, flat objects in one arm. When Mahina got within reach she handed him the items, which appeared to be wrapped in barkcloth, and then she hoisted herself over the edge.

“What are they?” Daniel asked as he carefully laid them on the ground.

“That you will discover in a few moments, but first I must share a story with you.”

The three sat down beside the objects of interest.

“Dan-iel,” Mahina said as she lovingly took his hand, “do you remember when the eastern warriors attacked our village, and how my two brothers, Kai and Poki, were later found hiding in a cave?”

“I do.”

“That was their secret cave, one very few knew about. And that is where I just was.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It is far down the sea cliff and very difficult to access. And so,” Mahina went on, “remember when we were on our walk in the past, and you told me of the present day scarcity of the rongorongo boards?”

“I do.”

“It broke my heart that there was not even one remaining on our island. So, just
before I began my search for you, I asked my father if he would gift me a pair of very special ones. After he agreed, I asked my mother to wrap them up carefully that they might stand the test of time. Then I asked my brothers to hide them in the deepest, darkest corner of their secret cave so they wouldn’t be found until I came back for them. Now let’s take a look!”

Daniel and Tiare watched in rapt attention as Mahina first removed the barkcloth, then another layer of dried reeds, placed to buffer the boards from the dampness of the cave. Everyone gasped when the first one was completely unwrapped; it was shaped like a turtle and was in pristine condition. Mahina handed it to Tiare, who held it as carefully as a mother holds a newborn infant.

The second was at least as beautiful as the first and was in the shape of a large fish. Mahina handed it to Daniel, and he admired the intricate, detailed workmanship.

Mahina said, “I would like the turtle board to stay here on Rapa Nui —”

“Mahina,” Tiare interrupted, “I know you’ve been told they are scarce, but has Daniel informed you that before you brought these two into the future, only twenty-five existed in the world? They are priceless beyond measure, and I would guess that none are in as good of a condition as these are. We don’t have a rongorongo board here on Rapa Nui because we are a poor island.”

“Dan-iel has told me,” Mahina confirmed. “I believe, though, it is most important for the spiritual wellbeing of my people to have at least one. Speaking of spiritual wellbeing, has Dan-iel told you that I know how to interpret rongorongo?”

Tiare looked stunned. “No. How?”

“My father believed in strong women, and he taught me the sacred art. So, while I hope to eventually teach others, I must ask you: Would you like to be my first student?”

Tiare’s eyes welled with tears, and she appeared unable to speak. She reached over to Mahina, held her in her arms, and stammered out, “I’d . . . be honored.”

When Tiare stepped back, wiping her tears from her face, Mahina went on, “Now, as for the other board: Tiare, remember the land we told you about that Dan-iel will be getting near ‘Anakena, the land where we want to eventually build an institute?”

“Yes.”

“Well,” Mahina said, “the second board I would like to sell, and we can use the funds to finance it. What do you think?”

Tiare cried even more and somehow managed, “That is a wonderful idea.”

Daniel simply held Mahina tightly.

He was speechless.

A
glorious Sunday afternoon greeted the large crowd that gathered around the Ahu Ature Huki, preparing for the wedding ceremony of Daniel and Mahina. Tiare had informed the happy couple that this would be the social event of the year, and a buzz of excitement filled the air.

Daniel and Mahina both roamed the crowd, greeting the many who had gathered. As Daniel had predicted, every Rapanui on the island seemed to know of Mahina’s connection with the past and wanted to speak with her about it.

It was an informal affair, and many in attendance either sat on the ground or in lawn chairs. A large buffet table stacked with home-cooked food, supplied by the Rapanui community, was set up near the beach.

Mahina had chosen to wear a long, white, cotton dress, one sewn by a local seamstress. She had a red hibiscus flower in her hair, which Daniel had placed there, and a bright, multi-colored, floral lei adorned her neck. Daniel dressed simply and wore khaki slacks along with a long-sleeved, white shirt. He was barefoot, as was Mahina.

Daniel stepped away from the growing crowd for a few moments and felt the leather bag hanging from his neck underneath his shirt. That morning he had placed precious objects in it.

First he had put in the fishhook Pakia had gifted him. As he held it, he thought
of Pakia and Uka, the couple who had shown him much love and kindness while he lived in the past. Daniel had yet to try it, now that he was back in the present, but he was certain it would have the same magic of catching fish as it previously had.

The second item he placed was his grandpa’s green flint arrowhead, which Daniel had rescued from the grasp of evil. It brought up all sorts of memories of the times he had spent with him, tracking animals though the rolling Oklahoma hills.

The last two objects in the bag were the caracara feathers left behind by his father and mother. Daniel was certain that, without their continued protection, he would not have lived to see this moment.

After he returned to the crowd, a familiar voice called out to him, “Welcome home, Daniel.”

He looked up to see Alame Koreta. “Alame, it’s good to see you.”

“I wouldn’t have missed your wedding for anything in the world.”

Daniel said, “I’ve been meaning to thank you and Jack for allowing us to stay at your hotel. We’ve finally located a rental home, so we shouldn’t have to inconvenience you much longer.”

“The pleasure has been all ours. Getting to know Mahina has been a wonderful addition to my life.”

Daniel smiled at her, saying, “And to mine!”

Alame smiled back and asked, “Do you remember long ago when I advised you to sit before our moai and listen?”

“I do remember, and yes, I did.”

“What did it say?”

“Let’s just say that the moai helped me to discover the wisdom I already had within me.”

“My experience was very much like yours,” Alame replied. “ I am certain our best guides exist inside us, not outside.”

“Absolutely,” Daniel agreed.

At that moment a bare-chested older man with long, grey, disarrayed hair and a wild-eyed stare approached them. He looked like a Rapanui version of an aging Albert Einstein. He stared at Daniel and muttered under his breath, “You Daniel Fishinghawk?”

“I am.”

“Let me shake your hand. My name is Roberto Ika, and I’ve heard that because of you I’ve been let out of the crazy house in Santiago. Is that true?”

“Well, yes, I suppose so.”

Daniel glanced over at Alame, who had a grin on her face.

Tears filled Roberto’s eyes. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to be back. I may be crazy, but I’d rather be crazy here than anywhere else in the world. By the way, have you looked around at the crowd?”

“I have.”

“Well,” Roberto added, “Don’t know whether you’ve noticed or not, but I’m positive there are Russian — or is it Chinese? — agents mixed in that want to take me back to their homeland and torture me. I know a lot of secrets they’d love to have.”

“Oh, I’m sure you do,” Daniel responded, trying to look serious.

“And if I’m able to escape them, I want you to come to my home sometime so I can talk to you about the things I can see that others can’t.” He lunged at Daniel and gripped him in a bear hug, “I love you, man . . .”

Daniel hugged him back. “I love you, too, Roberto.”

Alame grabbed Roberto by the arm and pulled him away. “Roberto, come with me and we’ll check out the food, okay?” She looked over at Daniel and said, “Looking forward to the ceremony.”

Daniel gave her a thumbs up.

Mahina arrived at his side. “My love, it is time to begin.”

Daniel kissed her. “I can’t wait.”

Slowly they strolled hand in hand to the ahu on which stood the ancient moai. Tiare stood in front of it and beamed as she saw Daniel and Mahina walk up before her.

Tiare held her hands up and the crowd gradually became silent. She boomed out in a most powerful voice, “My friends, today is a very special day, the marriage of Daniel and Mahina. All of you here know the love they share, not only for each other, but also for the island.”

There was a bit of applause, and Tiare paused for a moment. “They have chosen to draw up their own vows, and they will repeat each sentence after me.” She looked lovingly at Daniel and Mahina and whispered, “Please turn and face each other. Are you ready?”

Daniel and Mahina both nodded. They joined hands, faces glowing with anticipation.

Tiare began:

I promise to love you

As long as my eyes see the sunshine

My feet feel the earth

And my hair is blown by the wind

I promise to love you

When you are healthy

When you are ill

And when you are less than perfect

Through all the joys and sorrows of life

I promise to raise our children

With respect for your native traditions

And for the Earth that nurtures us

I promise to support your spiritual path

Wherever it leads you

However difficult it is

And someday when death separates us

I promise to hold a place for you in my heart

Forever

Tears were in Tiare’s eyes as she turned Daniel and Mahina to face the audience. “I would like to present to you, Daniel Fishinghawk, Jr., and Mahina Rapanui Fishinghawk, husband and wife.”

With that, enthusiastic applause greeted them, with Roberto Ika leading the cheers from the front.

Daniel and Mahina kissed to an even bigger roar.

“Let’s greet our friends,” Daniel said.

“Let’s,” Mahina replied

They walked into the crowd and received lots of handshakes and many more hugs. At that point, in the traditional Rapanui way, a group of musicians began singing songs as they clapped rocks together in rhythm. As if on cue, a group of manutara birds circled overhead and screeched along with them.

Very few days are perfect, Daniel thought.

But this feels like one of them.

A
little over a month had passed since Daniel and Mahina’s wedding, and Tiare smiled as she thought about it while she puttered around the house. She had spent most of the morning cleaning and wanted her home to be tidy before she left. She sat on her couch for a moment and thought . . . Yes, the time is now right.