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Preparations begin for Tu Kele’s transformation into the afterlife. Xia carves the jade axes that will accompany the ruler. I watch as my husband places sand and water on the stone and then spins the sharped bird bone between his palms to carve the designs. It is a long process and when I visit, I massage the muscles of his shoulders to relieve the tightness.
“Come help and make a record of the instructions so those who come after will know what must be done.” Father tells me after the Tu Kele’s body is brought down from the sacred house atop the mountain. This is Ian’s first time readying a royal body and I sense his nervousness. Aapo is there as well as Bada, the first-born son, to observe. I look around for Yope, the second son, but do not see him. Of Aapo, I know from childhood bu
