She threatened the Earth Mother Spirit, saying that if she didn't leave - she, Armuna - would shove her spear into Lumi as she had done to Atta, whom, she boasted, had been a bigger, stronger man than this one standing before her. What made your people think to spend so much effort on shaping the cave dwellings so? Durcan knew that there were some adults still talking about the fitness of his mother to be The First Zelandoni because she'd had a child with a flathead man. "Groog, do you know that my mother is holding a meeting with the leaders from other caves and will be talking about the violence in the north?" I don't like this," Jondalar was obviously afraid for her. Finally, the Fifth took his place in the ring of Doniers, gesturing for the Donier from the Seventh Cave to stand and speak. "You would take this woman in?". "What say you others?" But really different. That is her loud daughter that walks beside her.". My guess is there is a tale to tell about this wolf pup and how you came by it.". Then as the people watched, the Mother pointed to the cold and empty circle of stones and suddenly fire burst forth and burned brightly. Thank you Melodene. It would be too dangerous in the dark to continue on the ridge path. Tormaden sent a young hunter running down the trail to the cave with an urgent request for his Zelandoni to come as quickly as possible. Ayla didn't like the man; she thought he might be even more dangerous than Brukeval. Ayla never really worried about whether or not her children understood the nuance between the sexes, but now as they tried to greet the Clan male, he had a hard time understanding their signing. Secretly, Brukeval would always remember the very first time he'd met Ayla. He wasn't sure why the whole mountain was sacred since only one cave was special, but that was alright since most people went in other directions to hunt. He was one of their best hunters and Camma had chosen him to ride the extra horse for the day. Durcan's thoughts were interrupted by a girl's voice hailing him, "Durc! Nothing like this had ever happened to the Clan before. "The carrot changes and becomes soft, even mushy if boiled too long.". It was here that Durcan almost stepped on the wolf. Are there any young men that you have interest in?" He didn't want this strange weapon of the Others, but he didn't want to refuse the man of the Others, because that would have been extremely rude. ", "Yes Mongar, he was the wild men's leader. This was just more proof to her that their new leader was truly first among them all. "I just don't trust you. Yes it would have been a cumbersome thing to carry while stalking, but a sling with nothing but claybobs against a monster this huge would be next to useless. In the silence that followed Ralev's statement, you could have heard a feather drop. Or did you kill him?". "This infusion isn't placed on the wound, but is offered as a drink? If a man with a spearthrower threw with all his might, and then walked to the spear he had thrown, then threw it again and repeated this thirty more times, that is how far the water from the sea came into the land. They also knew there would be enough food to survive the winter with some to spare. The Others will come and collect him and any of the other wild men that come into our valley that we hold for them. His cave consisted of exactly three handfuls of people and the only reason they could sustain those numbers, Groog reflected, was because of the richness of the land. I'm glad you can see that too," she said, feeling grateful to him for his open-minded attitude. Jonayla asked, releasing him and turning to look into his eyes. The female Mog-ur was keeling beside him again, this time rewrapping his leg after having washed his wounds. "Every night when I go to sleep, I listen to the little sounds around me of people settling in for the night; murmured conversations and children being put into their furs. Lorala was closest to Jonayla's age and they had been childhood friends, like sisters really, learning together and experiencing life together, with Jonayla always the more outgoing; better at hunting and riding and things that took agility and concentration. Doroban asked. She couldn't see much of the interior of the cave and had to make her count of hearths by counting fires. He knew that this would be the best possible outcome. She looked up at him and felt grief that she'd caused this man so much pain. Dula looked down at the man who was obviously dying and then at the woman and made up her mind. "Stay here, we don't want to threaten him. They say they came into our land in pursuit of the Shaman and his hunt leader because they were causing trouble in their territory." ''I can't even guarantee that,'' Auel admits. It was still early, sometime before the noon meals were to be prepared, that a small group of dusty travelers were seen south of the gathering. "You tired me out last night. Jondalar asked angrily. And of course there was Groog. There had been no hesitation in her eyes or voice then. "Alright, Durcan it is. To hear stories directly from the legendary couple - first hand - would add much to his standing in the community of storytellers. The one real conversation he'd had with her was about hunting and when he'd complimented her on her skill, all she had said was that if you practiced hard enough and long enough, anyone could be good at hunting. He felt what he was watching was a powerful expression of the younger Donier's abilities to control nature. It is a wonderful experience to have a trusting little ball of fur following one around.". I will pray that your union will produce a child, as you hope," Ayla replied. She felt that her family should have away-time, just being on their own, and these experiences had helped their children grow more self-reliant and had nurtured a more mature attitude. This will be my last summer because I'll be twelve next year and too old to continue in my place. Those are Clan hunters!" Deep within the cave proper was The Mother's Heart, the innermost sanctum of The Earth Mother. Is this true or was she mistaken?". When Melodene gave birth to a boy less than a moon later, Ayla was there for her too, as well as Jonayla. Within a short time all the Doniers and their Acolytes were out of the cave, standing in the open, talking among themselves. By now he would be tall with straight legs and wide shoulders. Ayla could smell mint, alfalfa, and nettle leaves from the steam that rose into the air. Home again. He began to babble in fear, begging whoever was holding him so roughly, not to hurt him, that he would do whatever they wanted but to please not to hurt him. Ayla looked at the man and wondered briefly if he was well. "That's good," Jonayla said approvingly. Ralev's expression was serious now. Some women hated the men nearly as much as Armuna did. "Well, I'm glad the Lanzadonii are coming this year. It had been a difficult time for everyone as the First Zelandoni became ill and over time had wasted away. ", "Yes, well, I can't tell you how grateful I am for the fact that it was you who found us. You need to keep aware of where you step going through the main chamber. He seemed to have grown up during their time apart. They also heard stories of her being attacked by the cave lion. She'd had the opportunity to explain how Zelandonii society was structured and although the Mog-ur had to struggle with the strange concept of female leaders and both males and females as hunters, he seemed to have accepted this as another strange fact about the Others. The Zelandoni's sacred site was at Old Valley and that was where Jondalar expected to find Ayla, Jonayla and Wolf. About a third of our people remained at Third Place and continued to fight the Flatheads. ", Ayla looked up. Jondalar stood, "I think we should begin our preparations for the journey tomorrow." All at once the flashing day and night skies came to a crashing halt and it was dark. ", Ayla looked into the other's startling green eyes. He couldn't be sure, but he knew as dusk fell that if it was a bonfire beacon on the other side of the valley, he would be able to see the flame as the sky grew darker. As Ayla approached, Willamar noticed her and stopped work for a moment. She wondered if the truth about conception had reached Lion Camp by now. Releasing Madroman's neck rope, she turned around and walked to the farthest range of her sling's ability, then turned and signed to the leader to hold his spear high. It felt so right, so complete. Ayla walked down the central pathway to the back of the cave. She sat there with her eyes closed and it was obvious that she was meditating. Suddenly she saw a flash of tawny brown streak into the bush to her right. Cambarre continued to speak as if nothing had changed and at first Jonayla didn't know how to react. "Well, I trust you and I think you should see how she is doing. Finally she'd blown up at him and told him that she was probably better than he was at tracking and hunting and that she could take care of herself. He was heading back with his sling to the little meadow that had offered good hunting the afternoon before. I'm not sure why she hasn't shared her past with us in more depth before this, but I'm grateful for your candor," the southern Donier said. "She was brutally forced by a Clan man when she was just a child, but being who she is, she never held it against her child. That is why they threw spears at her. "Yes father, that's what the First Zelandoni told me. ", Ayla was fascinated by First Place, it was so unusual. I need to place The One Who Was First Zelandoni in her Spirit Place. They hadn't been upset by the removal of Atta and his men, but they didn't want to be without their men. 14. Cambarre had roused himself and had stuck his head out of the tent to see what the morning held weather-wise and noticed Jonayla standing in the stream, washing. "These are Mog-ur marks Jondalar and I think it's the only way to make him believe that I'm a leader, even if I am only a female. Hidden near the summit, facing away from the valley below, was a cave. "When it comes to pleasuring each other, am I as good as she was when we're in the furs together? From the men of his cave who dug the grave-pit in the hallowed ground, to the women from many caves who had prepared the food for the burial feast that would celebrate Blandar's life after the burial ceremony was over. Only the people of our cave remain here.". She was more than curious to hear about Jonayla's adventures just as Durcan was. "Summer Meeting is almost over and I love to swim in New Lake. As Rubio thought about these things, he began to realize why the sacred place was so important to his people, why his Cave had taken such effort to keep everything repaired and ready for use. But what if some hunters were passing the head of the valley and had made a campfire? Ayla used some of the fiber cloth that Jondalar's mother Marthona had taught her to make and soaked it in a butterfly-weed mix as an added percussion against bad spirits entering Jondalar's body then she placed it over the wound. You were in front of the cave and you stood there facing it and painted the symbols after painting your face white. We have no food for the children to eat,' said the younger brother's mate in tears. They called themselves Chimu, and did not add 'donii', meaning 'people', to their name because it was not their custom to do so. I just can't imagine living without a wonderful animal friend like Wolf. "Oh yes, and my mother assists Denanna who is leader. That idea was always a bit disconcerting to the young boy. There were small lamps that burned cleanly, sending a pale filmy smoke toward the smoke hole at the peak of the lodge. Not a prospect she looked forward to after her recent experience with Brukeval. This meant that their child would be about two moons old before the journey to next year's Summer Meeting. He had seen these two before, he was sure of it. "I think that I want to continue with my training and I do want to do the moon phases next summer as planned, although I want to come with you when you go north this spring, so I might have to wait another year, or start in the winter. Maybe that's why they helped them. Putting those thoughts aside, she looked down at the man of the Others. The grass that grew on the valley floor had been virtually untrodden all summer long and now rippled in the breeze in golden waves as if it were an ocean. Having so many of the Others around all the time was making him even more nervous and he didn't like the feeling. Should she count Durc? She was much too far away to hit something as narrow as a spear shaft. It is a good place, with plenty of caves to live in and, at the time, plenty of game to hunt, good water supplies and as it turns out, easy to defend. You are a woman!" I would hate to leave them here to molest someone else less prepared to deal with them. She told him that it always made things better when an individual faced other people with bravery and strength. Jondalar laughed and Ralev laughed with him. Cambarre, will you help set up camp too?". Cambarre had returned with a first load of wood and had just lit the kindling that had been carefully placed under the larger sticks, when hearing a noise close by, they both stopped and looked around. Mongar had seen the subtle play between the two females. They took to the constant attention and when Jonayla and Durcan fed them little treats of venison jerky and fat laden pemmican, they quickly became frisky and hungry little terrors. He caused so much pain and almost killed you and father and would have done the same to me if not for Cambarre. If you would also come too, it would be appreciated.". Jondalar wouldn't admit out loud how frightened he'd been, seeing Brukeval standing over her with hate in his eyes. "Besides, when you start to rely on your horse and have horses around you all the time you stop wanting to hunt them for food. Besides giving me the spear that killed the cave lion they also gave us the fever medicine that cured our wounds.". ", The Donier of the Fifth Cave stood from his work mending a rip in a sleeping tent and responded to Ayla's question. I don't want to head into the forest to the south on foot if we don't have to. American writer Jean Auel has written six books, as of 2015, but is interested in writing a seventh in the future. "Mother, what can I do to help?" Even back then, long ago, they were traveling to someplace and had to push on, leaving places where they could have remained and become part of the daily fabric of life. While Ayla washed herself, Jonayla did the best she could with their mother's clothing. I'm not sure why I painted them on my face, I don't remember doing it.". To the casual observer it might look like a calm Spirit Passing Ceremony, but the underlying subtle body language told the true story. Chapter 4 Oh Wolf!". It was younger than the ones her children had found. The water already filled the area behind the rampart for hundreds of strides. She knew that the sight of horses with people riding them would distress the Clan to the point of distraction. But what really made Cambarre question his relationship to a leading Zelandonii family, were his eyes. People could still travel on the west side of The River, but when reaching the area of the new falls they would have to climb abrupt hills and do some rock climbing. There is no reason to sit in deliberation once the Mother has spoken. ", "Yes, I would like that. The First was asking the south for help and she would get that help. school books or books from other authors. I guess when you think about it, why wouldn't they have good tasting food? His posture and his voice told her that he was speaking so that someone else could also hear his words, someone hidden. "Yes, of course, I'm sorry Ramacol. 9.26 New. 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. He needs to become familiar with people. But to be taught the Medicine Woman craft, and by one of high enough rank to make the ceremonial Clan Meeting draught is unprecedented," The Mog-ur said doubtfully. Make them understand that if they do we will respond to their incursion. Durcan had used his spearthrower to good effect and had taken down a Capon in flight which was plucked, gutted and over a roasting fire within an hour of their making camp. Over that time there had grown a wealth of foodstuffs for the taking. 29. Ayla and Jondalar set out on horseback across the windswept grasslands of Ice Age Europe. Jondalar asked. Wide-eyed, the boy stared up at her; he had never had anyone add that last part to his kinship-ties and titles before. She felt it. 1. The tall painted one watched him with unblinking eyes until he stood before her. Then as if awakening from a daze, she hurried off to do as Jonayla had asked. His young body leaned against her. "Zelandoni who is candidate, would you walk with me please?" ", "Yes, but the loss of Wolf will be a real blow to her. Just let me go. "She was a golden woman, at least the part of Her that favored humans. There were nods from all the other Doniers in the dwelling, then quite vocal agreement from each present. Lorala never seemed to mind that her friend was more accomplished than she was; she just wanted to be near her and was happy for her when she excelled at something. Instead I decided to leave Ayla and her mate Jondalar a hopeful future stretching before them, while still answering some of the many questions that hadn't been broached in the original series. She wanted to follow them, after all, her man had gone into danger too. Have you decided what you're going to call this little one? Over the past several years Wolf had begun to shrink in size. He realized she had seen everything he had, that she was truly a hunter as accomplished as he. That was a time when so much was still to be experienced. He leaned over and kissed her on the lips. "Yes, he is meditating at this time of day, but I'm sure he would be happy to see you. She was mystified. She didn't want to seem desperate. "That is special!" As the final words were spoken, the accompanying flute and faint drumming receded and Ralev clasped his hands together and lowered his gaze, indicating the completion of the story. If you don't move fast enough, my next spear will be sticking out from between your eyes instead of your hand!". Both Jonayla and Durcan said in unison. "I think we know how to load and prepare a pole-drag by now.". 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. When Ayla accidentally swallowed some of the root due to her inexperience she was drawn into the Mog-ur's dream and eventually, over time, became part of the Clan's memories. It gave her a surprisingly content and happy feeling deep down. Please remember that when you confront them.". Rubio realized that during the entire time, not one of the others with this Zelandoni had uttered a word or, it seemed, had made a noise of any kind. "I would be your friend if you will let me." The rough terrain, made rougher by the earthquake, made going slow a necessity. "Greetings Denanna and Zelandoni," Ayla responded. With more knowledge we might make better decisions. They talked quietly for a few minutes about the day's travel and as Ayla rose on one elbow to look over at Jonayla, she saw that her daughter and Cambarre were together under their furs. It is always best with things like this, something that affects the whole Summer Meeting, to have the First Zelandoni preside over the ceremony. If you changed some names and don't mention the attack we experienced in the open plain, and removed all that Mother Spirit and Lover Lumi part, well, it could have really happened." A single candle provided welcome light. Ayla led the way, with Jondalar at her side. She wondered what the others would feel if they knew. The boy ran the thongs of his sling through his fingers as he looked for a target to practice his aim. After quite some time, the boy becoming a bit restive from standing there silently watching the Donier, Ayla looked up into the sky, then down at the pillar. Other than the few animals that had been snared over the winter, fish were the first fresh food the people would eat in quantity since the winter cold had begun. I think we have it just right. "Oh. From somewhere in the dark night a flute started up, then also from afar the beat of a drum. The couple thrashed through the forest, headlong, getting scratched and bruised as they went. The same would apply to the Chimu if we agree to offer them entry in to the Zelandonii community. Although most of the stories and activities were out in the open area surrounded by a log palisade, special events and new stories were generally reserved for the more secluded lodge. "I was attacked by a Cave Lion when I was very small. "Can I help you Zelandoni?" You don't have to, you know. Groog wanted to talk to her. The hunter's horse trotted down the trail and he was soon lost to view as his horse made the bend and then disappeared. "When you get close enough to the horse, slowly, but firmly compliment the horse and tell them about all their good characteristics to make them feel calmer around you," she said, reaching out. Men on the backs of the horses and holding weapons tended to heighten that intimidation. It was now that Jondalar suggested they make camp for the night. Ayla turned to the Donier at her side. 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