People of the Whale

The A’atsika people of Dark River face a severe drought following the controversial whale hunt. The ocean recedes, and the tides stop. Ruth, still mourning the loss of Marco, recalls the prophecy of an old man predicting the drought. The community struggles with the drying landscape, and fishermen like Dimitri find their catches dwindling.

Ruth, anticipating a prolonged drought, prepares by storing water and supplies. The ocean retreats further, prompting some community members to leave for fear of a tsunami. Old Wilma speculates about a crack in the ocean floor, fearing a disastrous wave. Ruth, seeking a solution, visits the elders in the black houses, proposing to find the Rain Priest, a mythical figure capable of calling rain. The elders, acknowledging the possibility of his existence, agree to help, but at a significant cost to Ruth—the sacrifice of her fishing boat, the Marco Polo.

Meanwhile, Thomas is still living in Witka’s old house, grappling with his past actions and their repercussions for the community. He decides to make his own sacrifice, planning to tell the truth about his war experiences and to search for his daughter in Vietnam.

As these events unfold, a mysterious man arrives in town, exhibiting a calm and unusual demeanor. His presence sparks curiosity and speculation among the locals. Following the man’s departure, the drought ends abruptly, with rain returning to Dark River. The community wonders about his role in ending the drought, with some believing he might be the Rain Priest.

In the aftermath, revelations about corrupt actions by certain community members come to light, further unsettling the town. The rain uncovers historical artifacts, including shell buildings from ancient times, reconnecting the community with its past. The community reflects on the events and the mysterious man, pondering the possibility of his supernatural abilities. The rain, while initially bringing relief, also brings new challenges and a deeper understanding of their history and current predicament.

Vince, a fisherman, enters a café in his fishing clothes, bringing with him the familiar smell of the sea. He has exciting news for Ruth, telling her, “Ruth, I’ll be damned, but I found your old Trophy. Way out there. Way out” (155). Ruth, who had believed her boat, the Marco Polo, was lost far to the north, is skeptical yet hopeful. Vince offers to take her to the boat, adding an eerie detail about his discovery: “I saw an octopus climbing down out of it as I approached” (155).

As they travel to the location of the boat, Vince is still unnerved by the octopus sighting: “It was the eeriest thing” (156). On reaching the Marco Polo, Ruth finds the boat well maintained and tidy, contrary to how she had left it; the effect is ghostly, evoking a sense of timelessness. While Vince seeks signs of the octopus, Ruth feels a deep connection to her father’s boat, now returned to her.

Ruth ponders the strange circumstances, including the presence of the octopus and the boat’s unexpected return. She prepares to resume her life and ready the boat for the upcoming salmon season. That night, she finds a pearl on her pillow, a memento that once belonged to Thomas’s mother, who, according to the local story, left it in the cave the octopus crawled into when Thomas was born.

Ruth continues to worry about Thomas, who appears to be making a significant change in his life. He is cleaner and more alert, packing for an unknown destination. Ruth senses that he has made a crucial decision but doesn’t ask where he is going, understanding the importance of his choice.

Thomas embarks on nightly excursions to the sea, reminiscent of his childhood dreams of disappearing into the ocean. He recalls the promises of his childhood friends: “Someday we’ll hide in the ocean. We’ll swim out and hold our breaths like old Witka and disappear” (158). Thomas’s solitary ventures occur under the cover of darkness, with Thomas secretly followed by Ruth, who observes his actions with a mix of concern and detachment.

Thomas, wrapped in a wool army blanket, immerses himself in the Pacific waters, initially struggling but gradually becoming more adept at staying submerged. Ruth, who has a deeper understanding of the ocean’s mysteries and dangers, watches him closely. She recognizes the allure of the underwater world for Thomas, where “the sea is full with life barely seen” (158).

As Thomas spends more time underwater, he begins to appreciate the ocean’s beauty and life. Ruth perceives his actions as an attempt to reconnect with the past and his heritage. She recalls their shared childhood experiences exploring tide pools and marveling at marine life.

Despite the apparent distance in their relationship, Ruth’s vigilance over Thomas during his nocturnal swims suggests lingering emotional ties. Ruth’s mother discourages Ruth’s concern: “You need your sleep,” her mother says. “It’s dangerous work you do. You can’t afford to follow him around at night or take him food” (161). “He’s still my husband” (161), Ruth responds, highlighting her enduring connection to Thomas.

Thomas’s forays into the water trigger introspection. When he surfaces each night, he is unburdened, if not yet able to escape his life’s weight. Ruth, understanding Thomas’s struggles and transformations, remains a silent, protective presence.