Then lifting it on their shoulders, they bore it lightly, singing
loudly as they went, to the shores of the deep black lake, where
gleamed from the middle the lights of the dead.
Uprose at this point, the Sálamopia Tém‘hlanahna or of all the six
regions, led by the leader of them all and taking K‘yäk´lu on their
shoulders, they in turn bore him out over the water to the magic ladder
of rushes and canes which reared itself high out of the water; and
K‘yäk´lu, scattering sacred prayer-meal before him, stepped down the
way, slowly, like a blind man, descending a skyhole. No sooner had he
taken four steps than the ladder lowered into the deep; and lo! his
light was instant darkened.
But when the Sálamopia of the regions entered the central sitting place
of the Kâ´kâ with K‘yäk´lu, Shúlawitsi lifted his brand on high and
swinging it, lighted the fires anew, so that K‘yäk´lu saw again with
fulness of sight and so that they shone on all the gods and soul-beings
therein assembled, revealing them. Yea, and through the windows and
doorways of all the six chambers encircling, and at each portal, the
Sálamopia of the region it pertained and led unto took his station.
And Páutiwa, and his warriors the bluehorned Saía‘hliawe, and the tall
Sháalako-kwe, yea, and all the god-priests of the regions six, those
who are told of without omission in the speech of K‘yäk´lu and in other
speeches of our ancient talk, bade K‘yäk´lu welcome, saying, "Comest
thou, son?" "Yea," he replied. "Verily then," said Páutiwa--
Sit thee down with us,
That of much we may tell thee,
For far thou hast wandered
And changed art become.
As a woman with children
Is loved for her power
Of keeping unbroken
The life-line of kinsfolk,
So shalt thou, tireless hearer,
Of all sounds with meaning,
Be cherished amongst us
And worshipped of mortals
For keeping unbroken
The Tale of Creation,
Yea, all we shall tell thee
Of past days and future.
So said Páutiwa, cloud-sender and sun-priest of souls, and his brothers
younger of the regions all, joined in so saying.
Then K‘yäk´lu sat him down and bowed his head, and calling to the Duck,
who had guided him, stretched forth his hand and upon it she settled,
as upon a wave-crest or a wood bough.