Then placing the stem between Jondalar's lips, she then removed her fingertip, allowing the infusion to enter his mouth. She left her spearthrower because it would be too cumbersome to bring while tracking on foot. Actually she had only been trying to strike up a conversation, but had done it awkwardly. Go right now, I think we should leave at first light and I want to get that settled tonight. I smell an ambush. Plan after plan ran through his head, but there was nothing he could do until events unfolded. Ayla was grateful that someone was taking charge so she could concentrate on Jondalar's wound. As she stood there with Lorala caressing her hair and murmuring soothing things to calm her, Jonayla swore to herself that she would not act so stupidly and immaturely again, if she ever were in the same situation. After he called her name, he realized that her name and Ayla's were the only ones he could actually speak properly. She had hoped that she wouldn't have to involve him but it was essential that the leaders know what would happen if the violence was left unchecked. Twelve lives taken, and at least one was a child, she knew that from the size of the skull. Are you going to visit any of the other cave feasts tonight?" Jonayla knew that this man was different, but not knowing what a moon cycle was well, she'd never actually thought about what a moon cycle was either. Jonayla hugged the wolf pup affectionately. The Donier from the southern holdings went limp and was collapsing. They were wood-cutters who brought wood to the village to trade for fish and other things. That perhaps explains why you speak the real language. Ayla turned toward the east and grasping the rope end that was attached to a loop around Madroman's neck, she signaled that it was time to leave. "Thank you for your generosity daughter, but I'm not ready for a new companion just yet, I still mourn Wolf. The shelter was taken down and they were soon on their way, leaving Brukeval's spirit to make its journey to the Spirit World. This is a very good sign for everyone," she concluded, her voice quivering in awe at what she'd just seen. And further, I will support her vocally with the others. Ayla hugged Jondalar close, hoping they would soon be together like that again. Ayla couldn't make out what he was saying, the bullroarers were making such a racket that every other sound was obliterated. Even though she recognized the physical differences between her people and theirs and she was attracted to her own kind, she still thought that Clan men had a rugged manly appearance that her kind lacked. "This turned out to be true. They are good people who have taken up our fight. They were all grateful, even the Donier of Lance Rock, who had decided to add her vote to the others for the new First Zelandoni. To show it would be too humiliating, but seeing these Others on a horse's back was against nature, as if they were spirits of the earth. Mongar began to turn away, then stopped. With one hand, Ayla picked up the platter of food and held it high for everyone to see. The Donier's from the southern holdings were more than ever interested in what was taking place with their northern brethren, they knew that there were great things stirring, they had seen the evidence with their own eyes and they wanted to be part of it. The people were without a spiritual leader and that was very unlucky. She had a feeling, a disquieting, disorienting feeling that somehow seemed vaguely familiar. And I've had similar comments from native Americans. He saw the lion attacking his father and ran to stop the attack but the lion just swatted him away." I need to see what he does and I need to see this alone. It was also decided that Groog would accompany them so he could lead them to his Clan. He would stay with this female Mog-ur and learn what she could teach him of the Others. The reason Groog had been chosen to find a leader among the Others was because he was of both Clan and the Others and not being fully Clan, their Mog-ur believed he would be able to understand them better than any other among them. I assumed that you had them for a generation at least.". Will you come? He involuntarily choked up a bit when saying 'your affection'. In time, the body will absorb the sinew. "If that happens and they succeed, who's to say that it isn't for the best. ", Looking directly at Ayla but addressing Tormaden Denanna spoke, "I don't suppose you talked to the First Zelandoni about this before this meeting? He was taller than Crazy Eyes and much more muscular, but it was obvious by his body language, that he was lower in rank. Is it alright if we just go in?" "'What do you want?' "Ayla!" It would leave a fearsome scar. Apparently it is rare and hard to find. Groog had understood most of what had been said because the woman Mog-ur had been almost unconsciously interpreting their conversation in Clan. It was so unexpected. It didn't matter that Brukeval's men knew it was just a disguise because they had seen other things like the fire stone and seen the cursing and death of their old Shaman and believed that their Shaman was powerful and the disguise was just part of the ceremony. Still running, Mageb passed the grazing herd, barely disturbing their tranquility. The tree branches made it almost impossible to ride upright as they reached down to almost man height and forced a rider to fend off branches continuously. Soon the boat was full. she asked. But all I've experienced is great joy in my work. She put his tools atop the shrouded body and sprinkled them with the red powder. She would have to remove the spearhead now. I will speak to Jaradal's father too. Finally Cambarre said in a very soft voice, "Please Jonayla, be my mate. I want to be with Cambarre and I would love to share pleasures with him and to give you our children to play with," she smiled. Wolf is almost considered Zelandoni.". "Durc, we'll ride a little way farther to see if there is a way around, but if not, we'll have to turn back and go to the west then travel along the ridge route to get around the fall." It felt like days since she'd last slept and her daughter's situation was another deep blow, numbing her further. All she could do then was weep for him, for what he had suffered and for those who had suffered because of him. His close relatives and then his friends from his home cave would be first in line. He also felt awe. Finally, the Zelandoni let go of the last child's hands and stepped back. the woman storyteller rounded on Ralev as if she were truly mad at him. This was suggested as a way to become better acquainted with their northern brethren and was requested of them by their new First Zelandoni. 3.56 Used. The contrast to the Willamar before Melodene and now was startling. "Well, I trust you and I think you should see how she is doing. What has changed?". "That is the Spirit Drum and it will be with us until the next day is done. If you would lead us to a place where we can care for our wounded we would greatly appreciate it," Joharran concluded. "Joharran!" He had been her ideal foil up till then. He lay still as 'Jonlar' and the strange man picked him up on the litter, one at his feet and one at his head and carried him further into the huge cave. It was strange how attractive these people were to her. Jonayla exclaimed in surprise. I don't want this," she indicated the vista in front of them and then toward themselves with a deft wave of her hand, "to change. The thought doesn't make me feel relaxed. I figured it would be fair to at least take enough for tonight's meal. Maybe it is everybody's history. I promise I won't keep you beyond the one day. 'I know that he brought in a large catch yesterday - I saw him unload it while you were down the beach repairing your boat. Ayla rose gracefully from her cross-legged position and walked confidently from the dwelling. 'No, you can't have that, but I can give you anything else you like. "The two standing before me have pleased The Great Earth Mother by choosing to join together. I was worried that your selfless act in saving us from the cave lion might end with the loss of your own life. He then stood up and took Jonayla's hand in his, urging her to stand. Suddenly there was silent scurrying past the leader's hearth as the women ran to the back of the cave to hide. Sit with me for a moment and let's talk. Clan men protect the females and children and hunt for food, we have the memories for that. Looking into the depths of the water before them, Ayla asked, "Do you see the stream filling the pool Jonayla?". All Ayla could do was to ask them all to do their best to convince their leaders to support her approach for creating peace in the north, for she truly felt that if not checked, the violence would spread southward. Besides talking to people they only saw during the summer, the trading area had the added attraction of displaying different types of hunting weapons, utensils and jewelry produced by other caves. That fact hadn't stopped Marthona, Jondalar's mother, from caring for Brukeval as a boy. Ayla, with Jondalar at her side were sitting outside the family's summer lodge near the main hearth. "Certainly daughter, sit." And yes, I think I do want to become a Zelandoni. She didn't seem like any female he'd ever encountered. She twisted around on her horse to look at her child, "If you think about it, both the Clan and the Zelandonii acknowledge a higher power and set their standards for everyday life to it. I don't think he knows about firestones and he's looking at you like you're from the Spirit World.". As First, she felt that to create a close association between the northern and southern caves would make the Zelandonii people stronger and their society more stable in times of need. He felt a flush of pride that the people of his cave were the ones who kept the sacred cave ready for important ceremonies such as this. Some caves whose entire population left for the Summer Meeting would return in the early fall to find that considerable damage had been done, especially when a family of Wolverines had decided to make their home in a portion of a cave. As Europeans we took the time to follow her/his "It seems ever since we crossed over the river that you people call Neema, we have been met with one threat after another. It would take several days to strike a camp this size. They will take care of it. Ayla wanted to give him a strong relaxing tea, but there was no time, not yet. She knew the truth of it, but knowing the truth didn't make her feel confident in her ability to convince the other Doniers that she should serve her people as the First Zelandoni. As usual, many of the people had already gathered around the temporary burial shelter that had been built the day before. As Ayla saw the other's approaching she walked to the sandstone block that lay at the north edge of the fire ring and climbed up to stand on it with folded arms and waited in silence. "Well," Mongar said stiffly. Ayla meditated on her losses: Creb and Iza, her horses Whinney and Racer then Jondalar's mother, Marthona, and now her loss of the First Zelandoni. When the children returned to the family's impromptu campsite and unloaded the wood, Jondalar quickly built a fire and Ayla filled a heating basket with water from a tributary stream to the lake and prepared some heating stones to make tea. Seeing the signal this late in the day would mean that the Donier procession would halt overnight and enter the sacred site the next day. This place had been the third cave of the Chimu, but now they would refer to it as the 'skull cave'. I think you would appreciate knowing some of the details. It was against the Clan way and so strange that it made him fear them even more as they came closer on foot. Sacred Mountain consists of two unique ranches; Sacred Mountain Retreat and Sacred Mountain Private Ranch. "I see a long and prosperous relationship between our two peoples," she concluded. Ayla stood closest to the cave, looking at it with her back to the people. After the visit they would cross over the river Neema to the north and on to First Place to see Camma. The leather was of the finest quality, a rich, earthy, golden yellow hue that almost matched the color of her hair. "There is no need to remove the sewing. Jonayla took her pup into the tent with Cambarre that night; Durcan took his black wolf pup into his tent. She spoke to the world of the Spirits of the injustice that had taken place here. Jondalar did as she asked and with the help of Cambarre, was able to gag and blindfold him quickly and silently. He was very strong looking with bunched bicep muscles and a barrel chest. "I'm from the Fourteenth Cave," Tomalar replied, "and so is Bundiman," he added. "Rubio, please take me to the Zelandoni Stone. It always made her mood lighter because it relaxed her to interact with nature's most delicate creatures. ''The books have been banned in a couple of places like Texas,'' she points out. Pleasure filled her being. "Brukeval, we all know how you feel about Clan people, but that doesn't give you the right to attack my mate and my daughter. He was much older than any wolf would have normally been and as he began to live beyond his normal lifespan his body began to lose muscle mass and corresponding weight. Ayla sat astride her horse beside him. Ayla moved up against him and kissed him. After some time, her tears stopped and she gathered her resolve. I know not what they mean but will see what they do when the time comes and explain it to you. Then we will come back with more men and look for this Shaman," Ayla said, looking into the crazy eyes of the Chimu man. Trotting to the edge of the campsite, he settled down to do some serious gnawing. "Mother?" Then Ayla nodded toward Joharran, "Groog, this is Joharran, the leader of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii. While searching the area they ran into some of Madroman's followers and there was a brief fight. "It's only that when I heard you had returned and before I knew you were injured, I had sent out a call to all the Zelandoni as you requested, to arrange a meeting for all the chosen. The Fifth had been tapping a stick against a hollow log in rhythm with the chant, but suddenly stopped his beat and the chant ended abruptly in tune to his action. He put the Snake Bowl in his older brother's hands and said, 'Snake Bowl, give forth a feast.' I've missed not having Wolf around. I only have one question about your relationship with Marilla, and it's the kind of question just about any woman might ask," she said. She hadn't been sure that she'd liked him at first, but she was sure that she had been attracted to him. The last I heard he was mated to Tulie as second mate. The damage to the plants showed that a body had fallen full out onto them as if unconscious or dead? They were gruff male voices, he heard no females. For a time the only sound was the lapping of lake water against the nearby shore and small sounds made by tiny creatures foraging for nocturnal food sources. ", Camma thought for a moment then said, "That is a love that may be destructive to you. Ayla looked at the disheveled woman and said quietly and as confidently as possible, "Let me see the child, I am a healer." They had reached the beginning of the ridge route heading north late that afternoon. To have people who acknowledged her as part of their family was secretly more important to her than life itself. "You have very pretty eyes, Folrian," Ayla said. "Finally Skytalker told Camma, our leader, that he would curse her like he'd cursed our Shaman if she persisted in her opposition to his wishes. Just remember that who you chose as your leader will be making the decisions for us all. "Creb who was Mog-ur? She had done what she could for the Clan, for the people who had rescued her as a child, for the people of Iza and Creb. To have a man worry about her well-being was something she was unused to. "Jondalar?" They both had their blonde hair held from their faces by a leather throng around the forehead and they both shone with confidence as if it were second nature to them to lead others. Ayla had always felt close to him. She hoped that this woman's mate would survive, for all their sakes. He thought that was because she could move so silently on the hunt. She disrobed and walked into the cold water of the lake. "It may be a bit early to announce it, but I'm sure you're right Jonayla, you look rudely healthy like a mother expecting, even though it doesn't show around your middle yet. Jonayla said, one eyebrow raised, hands on hips. Even though she'd shown Dula and Brog the use of the firestone, they wouldn't have had time to tell everyone yet. Even so, they had to try. As the sputtering and indignation began to mount, the Donier of the Fifth Cave rose to his feet and commanded silence. "You are safe here Groog," the female Mog-ur signed and gestured with a nod. I lost my child two days later. Other than those wild men, there had been almost no interaction between the two peoples. They talked about her mother's recent elevation to First Zelandoni and the experience she and her mother had in the north. "And I hope I can make our cave leaders understand that the violence in the north must be stopped. She wanted to reassure her leader, a woman she admired and wished to support. Now that our southern Zelandonii have begun to attend the Summer Meetings we've decided to hold the Matrimonial Feasts at the summer lodges where the newly mated couples will live because there are just too many people to hold one large feast as was done in the past. "Think carefully about what I'm going to tell you. Besides, you're the right choice. They looked so happy. The thought of leaving to travel east to a place where she had been accepted before, was a soothing one. Those two had killed more than all his hunters combined and had done it in just moments. Jonayla smiled at him. They had camped close to a grove of trees that served as a wind break and the campfire warmed them as evening settled in. Ayla flushed. It was hard to believe there were so many of the Others in this river valley. "They're going to remain mated, if that's what you're asking," he replied sardonically. "I'm sure you've heard about her background, about having been adopted to the hearth of the spiritual leader of the Clan who was first among their Mog-urs. If there were more like her, it was a sign that Ursus favored these Others, maybe even to the point that they were favored over the Clan. He smiled at the pretty young woman's confusion. He had designed the first spearthrower and had found and brought back so much knowledge to the Zelandonii, not to mention mating with her mother and being the best father anyone could have. "I just don't trust you. Crouching down she put her fingers into the flowing water and thought about her future. To forget his embarrassment, he began to talk about his home place. For a moment Mageb was shocked and frozen into immobility by the fact this female of the Others could speak a real language and that she and her man would go with them without a fight. Let me walk forward and call out," Melodene offered. Both ranches offer a charming setting, featuring mountain views, magnificent sunsets, hiking trails, and horseback riding. She showed no fear as the horses were brought to an abrupt halt beside her. Cambarre lifted her legs as Jonayla spread them apart, her eyes closed, all her senses heightened. So Joharran did know words that were used to signal when silence was necessary and some phrases. One of the Acolytes behind the Donier from the south sniggered at this remark, believing that the blonde Zelandoni had dealt herself a damaging blow by asking for support after having been so dismissive the day before. she said. "What is Brukeval doing here? Everyone was surprised when the two showed up in camp with their whining little companions. As dusk turned to night, Ayla crept into the furs next to Jondalar. It looks like they'll be lucky to get more than two or three out of the entire herd the way they hunt with those thrusting spears. But if you don't feel up to it" The southerner trailed off. Even as these thoughts passed through her mind, her body reacted instinctively to the situation. ", They both saw the Zelandoni then. Jonayla knew what her mother was going to do with those ingredients. Thank you Melodene. This hunt would be risky. It was when she was freshening his fur pillow that a broad shouldered man scratched at the curtained opening and stepped in. "Have you lost your mind Groog? Ayla asked. In reality, it wasn't this that made her want a proper burial for Brukeval. You must begin to think about what everyone needs, all the people, not just what you need.". Closure. He seemed bigger and more muscled, more like a man. Ayla immediately recognized Summer Child and felt her spirits rise. A man stood up from atop a massive boulder to the left of the trail and looked down at them with raised spearthrower. Are you both alright?" As Ayla approached, Willamar noticed her and stopped work for a moment. It's obvious when you tell it, that they aren't animals. Ayla looked over at Jonayla, "Daughter, who else is wounded? The panels had been completed and now stood inside against the walls, adding a sound barrier, but they were still unadorned. He even felt a little like smiling sometimes when the woman Ayla would say something that he understood from his life as a member of the Clan, things that only a Clan person would understand. Finishing her tea, she mounted her horse and left them using the gesture of farewell as she returned to her family and the man of the Clan to resume their journey south. The boy was suffering at the separation from his family. Ayla began moving silently into the pine trees behind Crazy Eyes after she heard him reluctantly agree to come back in the morning to get them. He could see the advantages of riding, but he always had an uneasy feeling when mounted, it didn't seem natural to ride on the back of an animal that his people hunted for food and he didn't like being so far off the ground. Jonayla stopped suddenly, saying over her shoulder to Cambarre, "There is someone just to the right of the trail, standing by that big rock. "Your girl attacked me!" There I said it! But to Jonayla's surprise the little wolf ignored all the people and confidently trotted toward the cave entrance. "Jonayla, I've always been attracted to you, you're a beautiful woman, one that should let a man show how much he appreciates her. She urged her horse to a trot beside her mother's as they rode to the area in front of the cave that was so full of hurrying people. "Since this will be our last meeting of the season with all of the Zelandonia in attendance, I want to clear some things up before we leave for our home caves.". They went back to the horses and removed the empty carry baskets to use as holders if they found any pups. Why don't the two of you load the pole-drag and position them in readiness for the morning. Secretly, Brukeval would always remember the very first time he'd met Ayla. Just then Cambarre came over. I am the only one who has used it and it is not a traditional medicine. Get help and learn more about the design. These meetings on the trail had slowed the procession further but had built solidarity of purpose. I think I'll ride out to the east a bit and see if I can find her, she may welcome some help," Cambarre responded. Why d-did you let t-them talk you out of coming?" He waited while Ayla hesitated. One ancient tale tells of the waters receding and then rushing back with no warning, attacking the earth because the earth had attacked the water. ", "Good," she smiled. he said enthusiastically. She loved it as much as she loved Cambarre, 'only in a different way,' she thought, and smiled. Even the First Zelandoni, who - whether or not she knew it - this story was based upon, seemed engaged. Cambarre said. And as I did more research, I realised the Neanderthals were also quite intelligent, not at all like the savages depicted by Hollywood.''. How could it be that these Others had a wolf cub! "It is a long prayer, but if we have the time, I would be glad to," Jonayla replied. Mageb reached down and thrust the woman away from the old hunter. Ayla signed, "I started the fire using these two special stones." What he noticed, and what made him decide to trust these people - literally with his life - was the obvious love they showed for each other. As they watched in amazement, it occurred to Jondalar that their way north was now blocked. We were so happy back then. The summer was coming to an end and within a full moon phase they would begin to see dustings of snow in the mountains. Jonayla asked. Everyone knew that a weapon touched by a female could no longer be used accurately. Laying the last stone for the fire circle, she decided this would be as good a time as any to talk to him. She had hoped the uproar about her past might have let up while she'd been away. ", "Brukeval!" He was thinking ahead and smiling. Not that he was really surprised that the Mother had spoken to her. I very much appreciate your help. Since the ceremonies for the passing of a First Zelandoni took more than a full moon phase, cremation was the only practical way to handle the remains. Why did you attack my mate and my child?" The old man looked around the hearth at his equals and saw by their faces they felt as he did and nodding, he sat down. The subsequent conversations and warnings she had received from him had embedded the fear of discovery into her being. Some did accept him, many didn't. I have had enough, it is done!' Those were exciting and wonderful times," Jondalar squeezed Ayla's hand. She had gathered the women who had been training with their weapons and had them arm themselves. She'd been fasting all day and the enticing aromas made her mouth water. Ayla heard the murmurs increase as more and more people noticed the traveler's approach.