Chapter 056: The Ties That Bind Time

Shaman Wu appeared utterly bewildered as Luo Chong asked about a 'calendar'. Realizing the term was unfamiliar, Luo Chong rephrased his question: "How do you calculate the days and nights?" This time, the Shaman understood and produced a triangular piece of bone from his cloak, which Luo Chong recognized as a scapula from a large animal.

The bone, polished to a sheen from frequent handling, bore fifteen holes along one edge, each threaded with a cord knotted numerous times. Symbols were etched alongside these markings. Handing the artifact to Luo Chong, the Shaman allowed him to examine it more closely.

At the top of the bone, fourteen circles were engraved; thirteen were concentric, and the fourteenth, slightly larger, stood alone. Below, four trees were carved, each corresponding to a different season indicated by the changing presence of leaves, flowers, and fruit. Each season's depiction aligned with sets of holes—three holes for spring, each strung with thirty knots representing days; four for summer, three for autumn, and four for winter.

Amazed by the artifact's complexity, Luo Chong marveled at its craftsmanship. The knot system suggested a meticulous recording of time—thirty days to a month, with a year possibly comprising fourteen months based on the seasonal depictions.

However, Luo Chong questioned the accuracy of these records, puzzled by the possible implication of a fourteen-month annual cycle. "How do you verify the timing of these periods? Are they accurate?" he inquired.

The Shaman pointed calmly to the circles etched into the bone and then skyward, indicating a celestial method of timekeeping. "Not by observing the sun," he explained, "but the moon at night. Every thirty sunsets, there's a full moon. When two full moons align perfectly, they form what appears as a single large circle in the sky."

What the Shaman described was akin to a lunar eclipse, a phenomenon marking the completion of a significant cycle every thirteen moons. He continued, "Every fourteenth 'big moon' year, an extra fourteen days appear—nights when we see the 'ringed moon'."

Shaman Wu proudly shared that he had witnessed this cycle four times in his life, implying his age to be over fifty. Luo Chong was secretly astounded by the dedication required to develop such a sophisticated calendar over generations.

"So this winter is the fourteenth 'big winter,' adding fourteen days?" Luo Chong asked, pointing to the bone calendar. The Shaman nodded, carefully stowing away the precious item. Luo Chong couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and amusement at the old man's guarded manner.

Despite his jests, Luo Chong acknowledged the impossibility of devising such an intricate lunar calendar without decades, perhaps even lifetimes, of observation. He felt a deep gratitude toward the Shaman for sharing this invaluable knowledge, enhancing his understanding of time in this new world.

After moving the rabbits to their new outdoor enclosure and discussing breeding techniques with fascinated onlookers, the group's tour concluded with a hearty fish soup lunch, sparking further curiosity among the Black Rat Tribe members.

As they ate, Shaman Wu broached another question, his tone tentative. "Can our tribe learn these breeding techniques?"

Luo Chong responded with a gentle yet firm denial, explaining the complexities and risks of animal husbandry that went beyond simply capturing and feeding animals. His explanation about disease management in farming resonated with the harsh realities of both past and potential future calamities.

Shaman Wu, ever perceptive, shifted the conversation with a hopeful query. "Can you heal diseases?"

Luo Chong nodded modestly. "Some, yes. Prevention is best, though."

Astounded, Shaman Wu regarded Luo Chong with newfound reverence. Unbeknownst to the Shaman, Luo Chong's medical skills were basic, primarily first aid learned during his military training and some chemical safety tips from his university days. Yet, in the eyes of the Shaman, Luo Chong's modest knowledge further solidified his legendary status within the tribe.