Background...
Canyon de Chelly and Spider Rock
Growing up in the shadow of Spider Rock on the edge of Canyon de Chelly National Park, my grandfather would often chide my older sister and I with "The top of Spider Rock is white from the sun-bleached bones of Dine children who did not behave themselves!" when I had not done what I was asked. Despite this "warning" I spent my days scouring a way up to the top of the Rock or exploring the old cave dwellings built by my people on the canyon walls. Despite my adventurous nature I could never bring myself to go along Canyon del Muerto or into the Mummy Caves out of respect for past ancestors. Late one afternoon while exploring the base of Spider Rock once more, I made my way up to a stepped ledge, high above the canyon floor and for a moment looking in awe at the vista below me. I sat there for some time taking in the view and relaxing with my thoughts.
As I gazed around something glimmering behind me caught my eye. Moving towards it I was shocked to see a silken cord hanging down from the top of the rock tower. Pulling on the cord with all my strength convinced me it would bear my weight and so tying it around me I used it to climb higher up the tower. Reaching the top after a surprisingly short time I discovered not sun bleached bones but a secluded oasis. In the centre of the oasis stood a roughly hewn obelisk covered with strange symbols.
I reached out to touch the stone as the sun finally dipped below the edge of the plateau and a fiery glow erupted from within the obelisk. The last thing i saw was the outline of my outstretched hand against glowing rock as unconsciousness took me.A voice like the wind whispered to me "You are the first of my children to seek me in an age. I see in your heart you are bold and fair. I shall teach you the ways of the Spider that you may lead and protect my children." My mind filled with strange visions of ancient Dine heroes and silken threads seemed to spin around me and through me.
When I awoke I was back on the stepped ledge upon which i had rested. Had I fallen asleep and simply dreamed the rest of the climb? I sat staring out at the darkened valley below me for some time. It had felt real!
