The Night the Sky Fell by Stephen Levy Read Free Book Online Page A

suit pants. He straightened his tie and buttoned the middle button of his suit jacket. Then he adorned himself with Julie’s necklace. He thought, “I’m so white.”  
    Banks stepped out of his apartment carrying his new Bible. Dan met Banks at the stairs. After the Chief scrutinized Banks from necklace to polished black shoes, “You’ve betrayed us!”  
    “That’s nonsense,” replied Banks.  
    Dan continued to study Banks, “You’re chasing an illusion…false dreams.”  
      “And what dreams are here for me, Uncle?” As Banks drove off, Marilyn walked over to the Chief. She spat chewing tobacco at the same time the Chief did.
     
      In the Juneau Catholic Church sat the Powers’ family. The adults thought of past sins and the kids thought about future sins. Tricia could explore her sexuality with Johnny but only after she got her birthday gift. Peyton plotted and planned how he can get a guide dog. Yes, the church was full of people thinking about sin. Adults felt guilt and the kids felt glee.
      But the wandering thoughts of the congregation came to a grinding halt when the Pastor boomed, “I have come to set a man at variance with his father, and a daughter with her mother…and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. That’s St. Matthew, Chapter, 10, 34.” As all responded, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ,” Tricia broke the rhythm of cracking gum. Stan looked upon his family as a potential threat. He thought they could only be a threat if they found out about Evelyn Sands. He made mental pact again: “No more Evelyn Sands.”
      Banks Blackhorse took a seat directly behind Julie Powers. Peyton sensed his nearness; he smiled. At that instant Peyton turned to Banks and a rainbow of light emerged from the window nearby. Julie turned around. She had a look of hope that her wish would be granted by Banks Blackhorse. Banks handed Julie three vials of eye drops.  
      She whispered, “Praise to you, Banks Blackhorse.” And at that instant as if the Spirit commanded it, the rainbow morphed to one color…indigo…where the Old Soul resided. Only Peyton could hear the cawing of The Monarch Raven from the Church roof.
      Julie placed the vials in her purse. She was oblivious to everything around her except Banks. She took a deep breath and exhaled her anxiety with a sense of relief. She wanted Banks to join them for Sunday brunch. Banks could only respond, “Are you sure?” And Julie said the words that Banks longed for, “You’re family now.”  
      The Monarch Raven knew that there was a difference between the intention of committing an act and the actual carrying out of the act. When the Julie received the eye drops from Banks, the bargain they entered into was complete. At the same time that Banks gave Julie the eye drops, the breach of his bargain was complete. The Monarch Raven knew that the wrath of the Spirit Above his Head had begun. The raven’s caws turned into screams.

      As the Chief chanted in Tlingit in his apartment, Marilyn cooked breakfast. She handed the Chief a plate of fried bread. He continued to chant as Marilyn whispered something odd, “It’s time to sleep.” When the Chief turned to thank Marilyn, he was shocked to find her lying on the floor motionless.  

    Carol Rainwater told five lies during her twenty eight years. Outside the door of the Chief she spoke to three inquisitive married tribal women. They wanted to know where Carol was going and if they could join her. Carol had rehearsed this moment ever since she agreed to meet up with Marilyn White Owl. “I’m going to do a version of the Christian labyrinth…sort of a vision quest.” This was code to her three friends that she wanted to be alone on her Sunday. The three women began a drill and grill but were interrupted by the Chief, “Quick, get the Shaman.”
      As the foursome turned to the Chief, they stated simultaneously, “It’s time to sleep.”
    The four Tlingit women