Chapter 15

Tessa had grown markedly convex. A visit to Wunan revealed that the twins were more developed than expected. The physician said it might well be under a month. Rather than return to Gabbaitch, Sam drove to Mirima Village.

“I would like to make a request, Boobook,” he said.

“Ask what you wish.”

“When we were first here, you permitted Wodang and Bunjil to stay in your house.”

“Birds may share nests.”

“Those of Wunan say Wodang’s time may be near.”

“So.”

“Boobook’s house is nearer to Wunan than Gabbaitch.”

“True.”

“I ask that we stay here till she is delivered of our twins.”

“I will be honoured.”

“Thank you. She will stay here. I will fetch our belongings.”

Tessa said nothing. Her inclination now was to be guided by the spirits, not her intellect. She made tea while Sam drove off.

“Have you thought of names?” Owl asked her.

“Not really. Bunjil dreamt that they were Koordop and Burralga.”

“You cannot call them ‘Hawk’ and ‘Crane’.”

“No. We will think on it.”

Following Sam’s return, Tessa asked about names.

“Viola and Sebastian?”

“Not funny.”

“Apollo and Artemis? Freyr and Freya?”

“No. Nor Isis and Osiris nor Shiva and Parvati.”

“My grandmother told stories of Izanagi and Izanami.”

“No. If the twins have totems, they don’t need mythic names.”

“How about family names?”

“We do not name the dead. What about your families?”

“There are already Gordy and Weena. Gordy’s father was Richard and his mother was Margaret. Weena’s dad was Rob ... Robert.”

“Those would work: Robert and Margaret.”

“Robert sparrow-hawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus) and Margaret crane (Antigone rubicunda). If there is an objection, we will dream it.”

There didn’t seem to be an objection and Patrick thought the names were ‘suitable,’ adding “I know only one saint Robert, but there are at least two or three Margarets.”

“Does that matter?”

“Not to me. Just facts. I’ve always thought it irony that I am Patrick the carpet python, where St. Patrick chased the snakes from Ireland.”

“From an island in the west of Europe to one in the south-east of Asia.”

When Sam recounted that to Tessa, she said: “Robert and Margaret. Koordop and Burralga. Bob and Marge?”

“Rob and Maggie? Bert and Gretel? We will see. Maybe Hawk and Crane.”

“I think not. You don’t get ‘called’ by your symbol.”

“Only when you’re older, I guess. How do you feel?”

“Fine. Why?”

“You’re carrying two birds.”

“They’re not trying to fly away, yet.”

But two weeks later, Tessa woke Sam. “It’s time.”

“OK. Let’s head for Wunan.”

Less than half an hour later they were there. There was no physician, but an obstetrics nurse and Farzana, who said: “I have been doing shifts. I was told to be here tonight.”

“We don’t expect any problems.” Tessa was placed in a wheelchair and removed. Sam settled into a chair. Farzana was back soon.

“She looks well and is partially dilated. It will be at least an hour.”

“As long as she is comfortable.”

“We will do our best.”

Sam thought about hawks and cranes and fell into musing about all the stories and tales he had been told and read. All the teachings he could relay. A hawk and a crane. He thought of Aesop.