Coyote Woman
by Judith Redman Robbins[ Fiction ]
Shawanadese was the name bestowed on her when she was born into the prehistoric Anasazi tribe. Her fate seemed much like that of any other young girl until her magical powers began to erupt at the dawning of womanhood. It was then that a sacred name--Coyote Woman--was granted to her, a name that would come to identify her as a high priestess and draw the lustful and the faithful to her side. No one could have imagined the mystical charms of the high priestess, and nobody could have expected the force of attraction that would draw many men into her life. Shawanadese ignited a passion within the Mayan prince, the fiery rebel and the young warrior, and she engages in an epic struggle to defeat the sinister ways of man while maintaining her authority as the high priestess in the canyon of Chaco.
Prologue
He stood on the butte observing the vast arid, untamed land, which was the center of his universe. He and his people, the Anasazi, considered themselves an integral part of nature. Viewing the six building complexes from the top of this sacred butte, he felt a surge of pride and more than that, a love for his people.
His name was Taweyah. He had been the founder of the holy school, which housed and educated any young people who desired more than an agricultural life. He had been the sun priest for the center of his culture for many season cycles, and was revered by his people.
On the evening of his birth, a star had appeared in the sky, a star half the size of the moon. Some of his people had been awed, and many had been frightened at the appearance of such a spectacular phenomenon. It was then that his mother had noticed his birthmark. On his inner thigh was a white star that offered a startling contrast to his light brown skin. The people knew then that he was destined for greatness.
During the time since the appearance of the "Great Star," many of his people had left their subterranean pit houses and replaced the old style homes with houses made of stone. It was a period of enlightenment. The six complexes of the cultural center were connected with roads that gradually connected many outlier stone dwellings. Ritual and ceremony provided meaning and solidarity to all.
Remembering these great changes, Taweyah prostrated himself on the living breathing stone. To Awonawilona, the creator and giver of life he prayed.
My words are as one
With the mountains, rocks, and trees,
One with my body
One with my heart.
All the Gods assist me
With supernatural power,
Day! Night! The Universe
All see me,
As one with this world.
