Ocean's Daughter

By Faith Anna

Neona is an island where life and legends are a mix of good and unthinkable evil. Initiated into these legends from childhood, little Ina asked too many questions but over time grew to be a woman who silently questioned the beliefs and customs of her people. Even though she avoided crisis at all costs, her life blazed from one crisis to another. Just when she finally finds reprieve, her sanctuary is broken. On her daughter’s fifteenth birthday, Ina discovers an exquisite shell by the sea shore. The same day, a stranger mysteriously arrives on island. Little did Ina know that this would herald the beginning of a harrowing threat to a secret island life as it had existed for centuries and lead to unprecedented turmoil for her family. Faced with what seems like insurmountable challenges as a mother and grandmother, Ina must make a heart wrenching choice in order to comply with tradition. Consumed by guilt, self-loathing and pain, she transforms into a rebel....

“Your granddaughter has to go, so we can have peace here.”
Ina knew the only way people, dead or alive, left the island.
The implication was clear to her.
Arisa expected her to grasp the message. And she did.

Excerpt from Ocean’s Daughter

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faith Anna
• Release date: Apr 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301350407

Faith Anna

Hi! I am an author, blogger and language instructor. I live in BC, Canada. I have worked in universities, non-profit and the government. When I am not working, I like to write, read, watch movies, and do a variety of other fun stuff. I love sports, jeeps, and horses. Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithanna.author/

Book preview

Ocean’s Daughter

A Novel

FAITH ANNA

Copyright 2013

Ocean’s Daughter by Faith Anna

www.faithbrownonline.com

All rights reserved.

The contents of this book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or distributed in any part or by any means without the prior written consent of the author and/or publisher.

All character names, personalities, and settings in this work of fiction are entirely fictional, created solely in the imagination of the author.

To my children for their support and the unconditional love we share

Chapter One

The day finally arrived. The time of metamorphosis had begun.

Ina approached the shoreline that led to the residential part of the island holding shellfish wrapped in banana leaves. She stood still for a moment, lifted her face and closed her eyes. A wide grin spread across her oval, tanned face.

The sound of the waves was a typical feature of the island of Neona. Wind blew all the time as waves from the ocean hit the shores. Shells of diverse designs and colors decorated the beach. Coconut trees lined the pristine landscape and palm fronds on the rugged trees danced tirelessly to the rhythm of the wind. Coconuts littered the ground all over the island and an occasional one found its way to the beach.

Ina enjoyed going to the beach. She always felt at peace and free there.

She’d been out since afternoon picking shellfish. She wanted to cook something special for her only child and daughter, Helena, who had turned fifteen that day. It was now 180 moons since Helena was born. Ina felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as her thoughts dwelt on Helena. It looked like it was just yesterday that she was holding the delicate, tiny baby she had nursed for a whole year.

Ina exhaled loudly and opened her eyes.

Balancing her parcel in one hand, she used the other to adjust the strip of cloth covering her upper torso, all the while clutching a green, white-dotted shell.

Then, she began making her way towards home.

Through the ever present sound of waves came faint voices. Ina looked back. Two men were approaching from the same direction she'd just come. As they got closer, she recognized them as Kishon and Tishane. Both young men were tall and muscular. They grew their hair long and pulled it back in a ponytail. They always stood out in a crowd. Kishon’s mother was the older sister of Tishane’s father. The young men were in the same age group. They weren’t only cousins but also best friends.

Kishon and Tishane stopped a few meters away from where Ina was and began to act strangely, peering into the shrub. She wondered what they were looking at that she hadn’t seen as she passed that spot. They swiftly moved away from the area and then slowly drew close to it again. Ina’s heartbeat quickened. She stood waiting to see what the men would do next. They bent towards the bush. As they straightened, they were lifting and helping another man up.

The three progressed slowly towards Ina. Kishon and Tishane looked at her soberly and gave slight nods of acknowledgement. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Her eyes widened as they fixed on the man they were supporting. He wasn’t one of them. He was different. He was darker than them and his hair wasn’t dark. Instead of the typical loin cloth, he was wearing knee length clothing. The material was woven in intricate patterns using unfamiliar fabric. On his wrist was a black band with a round white face. Where did he come from? Ina looked skyward.

Kishon and Tishane hefted the stranger under his armpits to support him better. As they walked past Ina, she began to trail them. Ina wanted to witness everything first hand. It wasn’t often she saw things as they were happening. Marj her friend was luckier. A smile played on Ina’s lips.

Still trailing the men, Ina noticed that many islanders had come out as the two fishermen helped the weak man along the sandy, rough path.

Some islanders joined Ina a few paces behind the two fishermen and the stranger.

Ina, who is he?

Is he really human?

He looks like us but he's different. Is this possible?

Where did he come from?

How did he come?

He’s not one of us; but how come?

How can someone else exist besides us?

Ina was also pondering those questions. After all, they were the only people in existence. They, the sea and the flora. There was nothing beyond the sea. She shook her head indicating ignorance of the answers they sought.

She had imagined the existence of other people but, the appearance of the stranger was as unnerving for her as it was for the others witnessing it. A sense of excitement was also palpable but she tried to hide it, tucking it away in a place she was the only resident. Her daughter, Helena, and her best friend, Marj, were sometimes allowed privileged entrance. You’re a deep one, Marj had said on many occasions. Ina could never tell if it was confusion or admiration she saw in her friend’s eyes. As for Helena, her smiling eyes revealed in-depth understanding of her often reticent mother.

**********

Kishon and Tishane trudged on, almost dragging the stranger along. A few people stood in disjointed lines quietly watching, some with their mouths hanging open. In spite of the strange occurrence, the watching crowd spoke in low tones and calm whispers.

The two young men, still bearing their find, turned towards a multi-colored, circular shack that housed the Neonajela – the island meeting hall.

The keeper struck a hollowed out gong which made a resonating sound. It was heard around the island and announced the arrival of someone seeking audience with the elders. It went off three more times after the keeper had spoken with the men holding the stranger. Everyone knew that striking the log once meant the case being presented to the elders was a normal one. It went off three more times if the elders needed to be alerted that an unusual and urgent case had come up. The people were governed by the five oldest men and the oldest woman. The elders sat on the sixth day of each new moon; except when something serious and urgent came up. The keeper of the Neonajela was the eldest son of the oldest man.

The keeper asked the people to go in and wait for the elders. The two men dragged the stranger along with them into the Neonajela. The first twenty islanders followed them in and sat near the entrance.

Ina sat in quiet awe. She was entering the Neonajela for the first time. Usually, she heard about happenings on the island from her friend Marj before the elders were officially informed. She was pleased to witness the present, peculiar happening firsthand.

Ina momentarily forgot what had brought her there, absorbing the magnificence of her environment. It was a medium-sized but impressive room. From the outside it looked plain but inside, it was spectacular. Golden ornaments decorated the walls giving a reverential air to the room. There were wall mats of various shapes and sizes. The color combinations and designs made them look surreal. Who could have done such fantastic weavings? Ina had never seen any wall decorations so beautiful. There were inscriptions on the walls too. They were a combination of unfamiliar inscriptions. Ina recognized some imprints that were replicas of pandanus fruits on the wall. Colorful weavings from coconut palms and pandanus fiber were placed on the rafters at the top of the room.

Ina allowed her eyes to continue to roam. The elders’ chairs gleamed like they’d been recently waxed. Multi-colored shells made a mosaic pattern on the floor and there were woven palm leaves on which the audience sat now. Ina drew in her breath. Her head felt like it would burst with many questions that competed with each other for dominance and resolution. Where did these things come from? How ancient were they? Who was responsible for those writings on the wall? What did they mean? There was a rumor that every new elder’s name was supernaturally written on the wall soon after appointment. Was that what the marks on the wall meant? How could anyone tell?

A movement caught Ina’s attention. The elders had arrived.

Ina watched as they made their way to their seats. The chairs formed a semi-circle. Aston, the oldest man on island led the team while Arisa, the oldest female on island was at the rear. Arisa had a very nice voice and when Ina was younger, she loved to hear her sing whenever her mother sent her on an errand to Arisa’s house.

Aston was bent with age but managed to take steady steps with the aid of his walking stick. Jang was next and walked with the support of a stick too. His deeply lined face wore a bemused expression like one lost in thought. Ina remembered that when he smiled, his face transformed to that of a charming and witty old man. He was followed by Lang who was completely grey but strongly-built and walked straight and tall. Lenon and Wal were the youngest elders. They could pass for brothers too although they were not related. Both had balding hair with generous sprinkle of grey. They were both above average in height and well-built. Their gait exuded calm confidence but without an iota of arrogance. Ina smiled as she wondered how many hearts they had broken in their younger days.

The stranger was sitting on the floor while Kishon and Tishane were lying on the floor, flat on their stomachs.

They greeted the elders. Sanu!

The elders silently nodded an acknowledgment.

The two fishermen got up.

Aston cleared his throat. You may speak now.

I am Kishon and this is Tishane.

Arisa, the only female elder spoke unhurriedly. Now young men, tell us what brings you here.

Kishon looked at Arisa and began to speak. We were returning from checking our fish traps when we saw …. He halted looking at the stranger; then he continued. He was looking so weak we didn’t want to leave him there.

You did the right thing bringing him here. Lang reassured them.

Where did you say you found him? asked Arisa.

At the beach… near the bush. It was Tishane who spoke.

The elders were silent.

We can take him back there…. We were not sure what to do with him, Kishon stammered.

Aston smiled broadly. My sons, you have done nothing wrong.

The other elders nodded in calm agreement.

Lenon, one of the younger elders spoke now. He seems to be in need of nourishment.

Yes, we should do something about that so we don’t lose him, suggested Wal, the youngest elder.

The elders all stood up, moved closer and examined the stranger. From where she sat, Ina had a clear view of the stranger. He was a young man, perhaps just past his teens, with medium height and weight. His coloring was darker than theirs. His hair was thick, curly and reddish brown. It glowed even inside the room. He opened and closed his eyes intermittently. His nose was neither flat nor pointed. He opened his eyes again and then looked up. His eyes were clear green. Ina was startled. She had never seen anyone with green eyes. Everyone had black or brown eyes.

The elders gave no indication that they had noticed anything unusual about the stranger. Calmly, they went back to their seats and huddled together, talking in low tones. Then they sat up.

Arisa spoke to the fishermen. Take him to the lone hut away from the residential part of the island. Tell one of my grandchildren to give you some coconut milk and food for him. Also rub some ground Molassin leaves on his body to revitalize him. He needs to drink some water too.

The men bowed and lifted the stranger. He was awake but too weak to stand. They helped him up, now handling him like a precious prize they had won. Ina looked at the unique band on his wrist; the white surface fascinated her. The two young fishermen bowed again and left with the stranger. Most of the islanders who’d been silently observing the proceeding followed but Ina and a few others hung back.

The elders looked at each other, and heaved deep sighs.

Aston spoke. What a strange happening today.

Are we going to keep him with us? asked Wal.

Arisa cautioned them. Let’s not rush any decision. Best to wait and see.

Aston slouched in his seat like one bearing a burden, a huge frown had settled on his face while his chin rested on his left hand. We must tread carefully.

Nodding slowly, Wal asked, But what do we do with him?

Aston spoke matter-of-factly. Like Arisa has said, we do nothing for now except help him recuperate.

After that, what?

Arisa inhaled and exhaled noisily. We’ll cross that river when we get there…. But if he has nowhere to go to, let’s be prepared to let him stay.

Aston looked frustrated. How did he even get here?

Perhaps he flew. That was Lenon trying to be funny but no one laughed.

Ina felt that even with her wild imagination, she couldn’t think of anyone flying like a bird. Then she felt an illuminating realization. The stranger had swum from somewhere inhabited by other people. Forcing the idea out of her mind, she accepted that she was as baffled by the stranger’s appearance as everyone else. There was no way anyone could swim through the currents. Perhaps he’s a spirit. If that was so, was he a good or bad one? Perhaps he was Koi in disguise. Ina gave an involuntary shudder.

Wal looked at the other elders doubtfully. Can we trust our children and women to be safe with a stranger around?

Lang nodded. You’re right, Wal. I suggest we assign some able-bodied men around his age to keep an eye on him. Almost immediately he smiled as his eyes lit up. Kishon and Tishane.

Everyone nodded in agreement. They’ll do just fine.

Aston coughed. That settles it then. We’ll allow tomorrow to worry about itself.

They began to discuss unimportant things like the activities for the fishing competition.

Ina got up, bowed, and left unnoticed. As she walked slowly towards her house, she had many unanswered questions. The event at the Neonajela replayed in her head. But where did the man come from? She scratched her head suddenly.

In a flash, Ina remembered a legend her grandmother had told her when she was a little girl.

In the beginning, we had only one leader who judged and settled disputes. He was also the oldest man among our people – since his death, no one had lived to be as old as he was. Before his death, with his immediate family present, he’d called to his bedside, the oldest five men and oldest woman on the island. He proclaimed them as the new leaders of Neona and decreed that no longer would one individual be entrusted with the governance and wellbeing of our people. As he began to draw his last breath, he admonished them to be careful in handling of strange happenings and to always let love and kindness prevail ….

Her grandmother concluded by saying that since the centenarian leader had died as he was still uttering those words, no one knew what he’d meant. Was he talking about a stranger or strange happenings among their people? Had her grandmother made up that story? Did the elders know that fable? If they did, have they forgotten about it? Would they link it to the appearance of the stranger?

Chapter Two

Ina examined with satisfaction the package she still held. The peculiar shell was still in her palm. She’d picked the dark green, oval shell at the beach. It was smooth to the touch and had a sprinkling of white dots. She’d peered at it to see if there was any life in it. Thankfully, it was vacant except for some murky particles trapped inside. Opening her left palm, she balanced the shell on it to admire it once more. It was unique and beautiful. Turning it over again, she almost laughed. It reminded her of the lilac flower that looked like female genitalia.

The shellfish was wrapped in banana leaves for preservation. But she needed to hurry home to cook a special meal for her daughter’s birthday. She was relieved that she had woken up early and prepared some coconut milk and taro balls before going to the sea shore.

It wouldn’t take her long to complete the rest of the cooking. She was sure that Helena had fried some coconuts and boiled bananas.

Increasing her pace, she hurried home as twilight threatened to set in. At the same time, her mind replayed events of several years ago…. When Ina was a little girl, she used to watch the waves at high tide rise so high her heart would beat with frightened anticipation and she’d watch the rising waves gradually fall as the water encroached further on the beach. At such times, the beach became completely hidden.

Ina felt a twinge of longing for the days when she was a little girl and watched the waves with her parents. They’d walked along the beach often. Sometimes, they’d keep walking until they got exhausted and turned back. During those walks, she learned more from her parents than when they were at home. At the beach, there were no distractions, especially because they always sought out quiet areas. How she cherished those memories.

The deeper the blue, the deeper that area of the ocean is, her parents had told her. She remembered to tell her daughter, Helena everything her parents had told her.

Ina had asked her parents the same question her daughter repeatedly asked her as they sat on a rock on the raised land, a little away from the beach. What’s beyond the sea?

Her father had looked out at the expanse of the sea. Nothing. It’s just sea.

Her mother had elaborated with an understanding smile. That’s why you can’t see the end of the sea.

Doesn’t the sea end somewhere?

"No. It just continues.’ Her father had used his hand to draw what resembled a circle.

Are there other people besides us?

No. We’ve never seen anyone else.

How would we see them when no one has gone beyond our island? Ina’s eyes were still full of questions. So, you don’t know if there are other people?

Her parents looked at each other, then at the open sea but said nothing. Ina had stared into the distance, her mind working overtime.

Looking up at her father, she’d asked, How did we get to be called Neona?

Our people who first settled here called themselves and the island Neona and it has remained the same since then.

How do you know that?

Our parents told us what their parents had told them, said Ina’s mother, picking up her vegetable basket.

Ina’s father added thoughtfully, Neona means ‘Knowledgeable One’.

But Father, where did the first people come from?

A smile appeared on her father’s face. It’s time I told you a great legend our people have passed from one generation to another.

It was her mother who always told her stories. She loved to hear the different stories and would later elaborate on them in her imagination. Now, her mother squatted in the shallow part of the sea washing pandanus leaves in a basket. She would use it to flavour the coconut milk for dinner. Ina’s mother believed that the pandanus leaf cured every ailment from cold, cough, gum bleeding, to skin infections. She used pandanus leaf in various ways and in most meals.

Ina’s father looked up into the sky and got up. Not now, Ina… wait till the time is right.

Ina protested. But Papa …. She knew her father wouldn’t be swayed by her protest. That didn’t prevent her from trying.

Ina’s mother had finished washing