The elders gathered in the grove of ancient scrub oaks which stood upon the eroding cliff. It is here where stones were piled many years ago, and for the Nubbins this assemblage of rounded rocks became a way to measure how much of the cliff was taken each winter by the northeast storms.
The crows kept vigil as the little men looked down on the beach, for they knew the tides of the feast season were unusually high and the storm of that final week had likely taken its toll on the steep embankment. Atnas paced off the distance, and found that the stones were now just 11 cobits* from the edge.
Hantar recorded the measurement in their log, then told the others, “On this day last more than 24 cobits stood against the sea. There shall be few comings of the spring eagle before these stones will need to find a new home.” Some of the elders nodded in agreement, but Retsbrew, who stood away from the group and looked out at the ocean, seemed bothered by that prediction and spoke up.
“It has never been our place to move the stones. They were set by those before us, and these markers of our place should remain as they were set. Our teachings tell us so.” Atnas put his hand on Retsbrew shoulder then walked over to the stones and stood looking at the carefully balanced pile. A moment of silence passed before Atnas offered his own thoughts.
“We are faced with yet another taking of time. As Retsbrew has spoken, these were set upon this place long before any of us walked the paths of the great forest. A question is now before us, and I ask you, do we answer that question or is it not for us to answer? Is it meant for these stones, put upon this site many moons ago, to be lost to the sea, or do we follow the suggestion of finding them a new home? We know only through the scrolls that these stones and many others like them were set by those before us. They mark special places such as these old oaks. They provide direction and a way for all. Yet, perhaps there are some like these that simply measure time, and as they are taken, the distance of our long journey grows shorter. Or perhaps the stones are meant to be part of that which nourishes the beach to our South, for we know it grows from the sands here taken."
"At the feast next we must decide on how to proceed. In the meantime, Hantar will keep watch over the stones in case their place here is no longer safe before our decision. For now, we know that the trophers will return this day and our lodge will be readied by nightfall for the great cat, who will take his new den. Let us return and make ready for that event and our final reading.”
After a mid-day meal of akarn porridge and huckleberry rum, the elders went to the lodge, where Atnas greeted each of them with the hug as was the custom of this last day. He then called upon Resmis to do the final reading. Resmis stood and as the glow of the scroll lit their faces, he began to read.
“It is said that on this twelfth day, three men of great learning and fine wealth, who had met together to find reason for a new star, traveled to find its origin; and after many suns, they came upon the young boy, who now served both his father and his mother. They were puzzled by his presence, yet knew he was the subject of their search. The youngster pointed to the star and said to them, “You have come a long way, but your place here is that which you seek. These fine gifts I give to my father to keep for all time and to share with those who believe. They will find their way into story, a history to keep. But come now into my house, and meet my mother. Here you will find peace and a wondrous rest.
So it is recorded in this sacred scroll.”
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*11 cubits may well be a Nubbin measurement term which we would call ‘cubits’. 11 cubits is a ‘rod’ or 5.5 yards or 16.5 feet. If in fact this is the case, then the cliff had eroded more than 17 feet since they measured it last.
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