The Next Skywatcher

Warning This story contains graphic violence including cannibalism. Set in 1057 A.D. among the Anasazi of the American Southwest. Raised by his beloved Sky Chief grandfather and a mysterious albino woman, Tuwa expects to become the next skywatcher. When a strange star appears in the sky, so bright it shines during the day, the High Priest, backed by ultraviolent warriors from the South, demands blood sacrifice. Tuwa's grandfather, a vocal opponent of the foreigners, is murdered in a public ceremony, cooked, and served to the stunned crowd. Next in line are Tuwa's adopted mother and the girl he loves, Chumana. Unable to watch, Tuwa flees in a blind panic into dark wilderness where he's rescued by a long-distance trader who collects orphans to protect him and carry his goods. Three years later, Tuwa returns with his hardened band of orphans intent upon revenge-only to discover that the stakes are much higher than he had imagined. Mere revenge may not be enough.