Everyone gathered near the water’s edge and waited for the storm to manifest. The night was oppressive and absorbed all light; the air was pregnant with the moisture that preceded the Great Gales. The humming began and the energy began to fill the air. The lowest voices began a dirge to mourn all loss that would occur, and then the women joined to celebrate the life that nature gave. The notes flew high above their heads and began to blend and clash, mimicking what they were anticipating.

The clouds began to dance to the song; they rolled and tucked over and under one another, spinning into swirls over velvet darkness. And when they parted, stars could be seen here and there in the absence of the moon.

It continued until it came to a dizzying halt and they all looked up into the sky. Just then, the Sign cracked the sky into pieces and blinded them, and for an instant, the dark was like day, the black sky became as the garments of a king.

The Fire raged on the island across the water, and all were in awe.