Tears of the Moon - Di Morrissey [103]
Later, swinging in his hammock rigged in the small cabin Ahmed and Yoshi shared, Hamish listened in awe as they talked of the wonders beneath the sea, its strange creatures, great dangers and their many diving adventures.
After several camps, Wally announced one morning, ‘This country bilong us mob.’ He grinned at Niah, ‘Feet can feel ’im. You smell ’im. You listen good, hear ’im songs bilong you.’ He paused and looked at the ground as if sensing some distant vibration. ‘Mob comin’ t’meet us,’ he said with satisfaction.
When the Conrad returned to Broome, Tyndall left Ahmed in charge of mooring the lugger and escorted Hamish and Olivia to their bungalow.
They were all pleased with how the boat had performed, and plans were afoot to dive further up the coast as it had looked promising. The trip had also successfully distracted Hamish from the loss of his father. Olivia doubted if his infatuation with becoming a pearling master would last, but she was grateful to Tyndall for taking them with him. She too had found the solitude and peace at sea healing and restful.
Tyndall waved goodbye at their gate and hurried home to Niah. He was a little surprised to find the house empty, even of staff. He bathed and changed, reflecting on what a happy time it had been for young Hamish who, once he had his sea legs and learned the shipboard rules, had really taken to life at sea. They’d taught him to fish and given him small chores like winding ropes into neat circles and polishing the compass brass. Tyndall looked forward to the day when Maya was old enough to do the same.
He heard some movement in the staff quarters and called the amah. ‘Rosminah, where has Niah gone?’ he asked.
‘Walkabout, tuan.’
‘Round town? When is she coming back?’
‘Gone big walkabout. Said she goin’ to see her people. Take Maya her country.’
Tyndall was stunned for a moment. ‘What do you mean walkabout?’
When the full impact sank in, Tyndall sat with his hands hanging between his knees. He now saw how he had neglected Niah and even Maya and had been too absorbed in the business. He didn’t blame her for seeking family contact. But he missed them and hoped they would soon be back, for this was their home.
Olivia found him, hungover and morose, at the camp the next day. She made him strong tea. ‘Perhaps Niah was jealous at us taking Hamish away. She’s been a bit reserved lately. And now she’s found her tribal family it’s only natural she’d want to take Maya to them, for a visit,’ said Olivia, trying to explain the situation rationally.
‘She’s my daughter, too. She really doesn’t belong out there.’
‘How can you be sure, John?’ said Olivia, hating to see the misery in his eyes and feeling a little bit guilty that perhaps it was because of her that the situation had developed in this way. ‘You can only wait.’
Tyndall gazed at Olivia sadly. ‘You’re right, of course. And there’s not a damned thing I can do about it. But wait.’
Olivia poured his tea and hoped Niah would be sensible and not stay away too long. She’d heard of some Aborigines going walkabout for six months or more. ‘At least we know she’s in safe hands.’
Tyndall didn’t answer.
In the weeks that followed, Niah discovered her extended family, the rituals, the sacred sites, the stories and sense of kinship. The tribe embraced Maya and in a simple but moving ceremony performed by the women, the young girl was welcomed into the extended family of the clan and given a shell pendant. The small curved shell had the same carved pattern as her mother’s. No matter where she went in life Maya had a link with previous generations and a place of belonging.
The old women adored the beautiful girl and entertained her, singing and showing her endless patterns made from twine twisted between fingers. It was a time for both mother and daughter to learn their