"Yes, that is true," Robonar replied. A trip that would normally be completed in two days on horseback was slowed by necessity. If you don't have a child, at least you'll have the pleasure of trying," she smiled mischievously. Durcan, although he wanted to be a great hunter and horse breeder, appreciated the Knapper's skill, especially because his father was a renowned Knapper. Whinney gave her two daughters, Gray and Summer Child and one son, Racer. What if they don't wait but use a spearthrower instead?" They had been instructed to go in pairs and to stay within shouting distance of each other. The Clan Mog-ur then looked for a long time at the hunter's mark on her throat, then finally signed, "And the totem mark?". The Chimu had no horses so they were something not seen much before the Zelandonii had arrived from the south. She watched Jonayla's face as the men came into view from the fa'lodge where they had gathered to dress in their finest. Suddenly the stallion's instincts kicked in and he tried to move toward the right, but that in itself was a mistake, Jonayla controlled that side of the field and both she and Gray knew what they were doing. "To the Zelandonii they were just ordinary people and they couldn't really hurt anyone. Ayla was also buoyed by her meeting with her fellow Zelandoni, the day before. The series deals with the interactions of the Cro-Magnon people with the Neanderthal people during the time of prehistoric Europe. Jondalar and Jonayla had remained there during the night and added their voice to the discussion. She didn't have to worry about frightening her or making her feel insecure. "I guess I'll see you both at the next Summer Meeting," he said, knowing the Twenty-Ninth Cave would leave for their home in the morning. But as he went he remembered what his brother had said. Before the next moon died the land would be covered in snow. That is no excuse for my mistake, but the mistake saved his life. Wolf was cradled in the center of the pole-drag as Zelandoni and Acolyte rode slowly away. Her eyes caught sight of a string of beads that must have been at the bottom of the otter pouch. He's quite handsome isn't he? Ayla smiled at the scene, it had been a long time since Willamar had taken an interest in anything physical. "Joharran, Jondalar, come here," Ayla called quietly. You were in front of the cave and you stood there facing it and painted the symbols after painting your face white. He looked around the group then nodded, saying, "Then if this is accepted by you, our leader," he looked at Ayla and smiled, "the cave at Hilltop will now be called First Wolf Cave by us all. And Brukeval, no matter what she might think of the man, was an accomplished hunter who knew how to lead men and knew how to use weapons. She has been in service for eighteen summers and leads all those who serve the southern Zelandonii. She said the last part as she stepped through the door to the outside with her arms full of parcels. She was helping her mother carry the last parcels to the pole-drag being loaded for the short trip to the corrals. So had the man and his family, the compensation he had to pay for his violent actions had been ruinously high. "I think this young man has just said what I was thinking. Ayla followed her friend around the chamber, feeling awe at the talent that was evident at every turn. Jondalar had climbed to the top of what remained of the main lodge's structural skeleton that had held the large, yet insubstantial structure together. At the very least they could visit and perhaps even live with people who honored them for who they were and didn't criticize them for her past life. Jonayla pointed to the group of people in the clearing, all Doniers and Acolytes. Ayla would not show any fear. Incensed at being disturbed from her task Jonayla furiously signed, "I am daughter of the female Mog-ur who is also medicine woman! He then stood to don the travel clothing that Ayla had laid out for him the night before. Ayla asked. It would be something if he did. "Come on Cambarre, let's go." That is what will happen if we don't tend to this issue. He'd never seen anything like it before. This woman was supposed to be some kind of Mog-ur according to her offspring. Another man stepped out from the trees up a rise to the right and waved. They stopped just north of the Summer Meeting camp area and met Durcan there. Normally they knew children were only looking and if things were busy they wouldn't have time for them, but today the traders were bored with the lack of commerce and were willing to talk about their craft. He was bare-chested, tanned and well-muscled and his light blond hair moved as if alive or from a breeze that wasn't apparent. "Brukeval, you know that we can't just let you leave," Ayla said with a sad note in her voice. He pulled his spearthrower from its holder and a quiver of bird darts and melted into the forest to the east. As the two men mounted their horses to go back up the river to retrieve the wolf pelt and hunt Ptarmigan for their evening meal, Jonayla enthusiastically said, "Mother, isn't it wonderful, we have three pups, one for Durcan, one for me and one for you. It makes me feel accepted as one of the family. What made the Doniers most frightened now was that the Zelandoni of the Ninth Cave had predicted it. 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. I can't believe you kept this a secret from me all these years," Jonayla said in wonder as she rushed into the lodge and picked up the beautiful garment. "Keep an eye open for any game. Ayla smiled, "It's good to do some simple things like washing food platters. "I know that except for Jondalar, none of you were there when Ralev brought to light the story of my Clan son, so I wanted to tell you about my eldest son Durc and what happened to me when I was a child of the Clan. Folrian found these stories to be very informative because they weren't talking to her as a young girl, but to each other, and she was hearing what they truly thought. He stepped out into the light and beckoned to them both, "Come, I want you to see.". I'm almost as good as new Ayla, thanks to your care. She had always been drawn to him, even when they only seemed to bump heads. Melodene looked at the old man and smiled through her tears. ", The southern Donier interrupted, "Did I hear you say, 'her pet cave lion'?". She assured the boy that his father would be in a kinder place, walking in the Spirit World with his ancestors. Jondalar's body wasn't responding to Ayla's attempts at healing. "Thank you. And this woman at his side, she spoke the sacred form of the Clan language flawlessly. He knew the child had had a tough summer. The young couple rode in the lead allowing Ayla and Jondalar to travel at their own pace. In addition, the continual teasing he'd received from some of the other children about his mother's past had ended up in many fights. Joplaya would have won him over as her mate and he might not have left with his brother Thonolan on their journey to the east. They also heard stories of her being attacked by the cave lion. Not knowing how the meeting would go, Ayla didn't want to be drawn into casual conversation with anyone; she didn't want her feeling of calm clarity to be diluted. He stood on his toes, straining to see across the valley, he wasn't sure if it was the bonfire beacon or not. Brukeval felt that it would cause them to split their forces and give him an advantage in dealing with the searchers. What if they tried to destroy his hunters with a curse? She'd almost died, but she quickly pulled herself together. Ayla and Jondalar wished them well and sent them on their trial period with a hug and a kiss. If you have not read Jean Auel's Earth's Children series of six books yet, you're in for a treat. They were dark gray, almost black. Then she placed a fingertip over one end. How would that help Jonayla? Ayla, hugged the woman and said, "Surely things will settle down in time and if you have the support of your leader they will get over their hostility. Jondalar knelt beside the grieving woman and the dead man. We can go around them undetected or we can confront them. Mageb was amazed. What would be left for her here? The other books in the series were all set in the here and now and I felt I shouldn't break away from that format. Mind if I tag along with you?". Those two had killed more than all his hunters combined and had done it in just moments. Deep down, she wanted to be relieved of the responsibility of leading the Zelandonia. The herd was uneasy and moved away from them, but they were not so frightened that they would gallop away. I have everything I need to care for him, if you will just get out of my way." He put the bowl into his boat and rowed out to sea with it to where the village fishermen were hauling in their catch of fish. The Mother is telling me that I'm doing what She wants and has given me Sky as a sign. Did I understand you to say the Others have a Mog-ur who is female?" It would have happened if not for the Clan's medicine woman. ", "Sweetheart, you know that Wolf is just too old to make a journey of several days, it would be very hard on him. Each movement she made seemed to be done with solemn forethought as if it were a Zelandonia ritual. He looked at the young gray wolf wriggling in the sling carrier that hung from the young woman's neck, being supported in both arms as if proffering an offering of bounty. All it took was Ayla's wide, bright loving smile in return as she placed her hand on his, pressing it into her thigh, reassuring him that her need was equal to his. I can't say how grateful I am to her. Because of the size of the Summer Meeting, not everyone could attend Blandar's burial ceremony. I expect that being reasoning human beings, all of our brothers and sisters will see the advantages as clearly as you and I do." Then he angrily shouted, "DO IT NOW WOMAN!". His passion obvious to her view, and waded into the cold water, feeling that he might be heating it a few degrees with his own body's passion. You know it will soon be two years since you became an Acolyte. Before taking their leave from the sacred site, she sought out the people of Old Valley Cave and Two Wolf Lodge who had hurried to them when the Mother had spoken. Jonayla asked. Joharran and Jondalar, spearthrowers ready, mounted and urged their horses silently forward, waving everyone else to wait. Hearing none, he continued. The Clan people moved eastward under the burdens that, once the meat was dried and stored, would help them to survive the winter. "That would be wonderful, I'll make sure to ask you," Ayla gave the young man one of her brightest smiles - full of pleased excitement - making him catch his breath in surprise. He knew that fool Camma would form a friendship with Ayla, he knew that they were much alike. Building her herd of horses, being an Acolyte of the Zelandonia, her love for Cambarre and having more children were all priorities for Jonayla. She stopped, now almost parallel with the Chimu man and waited to hear his reply. Then placing the stem between Jondalar's lips, she then removed her fingertip, allowing the infusion to enter his mouth. ", Mog-ur grunted, showing shocked surprise. It was obvious that he was worried that he might be followed. Ayla was already on the mend, sitting up and drinking broth by the time the storytellers had devised their songs and stories about The Great Earth Mother's Daughter who had defended her people with the magic spear. Maybe that is exactly what you have done in the past. That was a scary thought. Ayla was determined to be more on her guard in the future. "As it turns out, Jondalar has had to pay the price for my actions. ", Brog stirred as if waking from a dream, "Why would you be so generous? He took her into his arms as she sobbed her grief and despair, bloodying his tunic as she grasped him for comfort and support. "One day two apparitions materialized in the valley below their camp. You have always been an example to us and we wanted to do anything we could to contribute. The couple thrashed through the forest, headlong, getting scratched and bruised as they went. I'm looking forward to being a father. When we came back to retrieve our belongings we found that everything had been piled together and burned.". "Durc was much like us. "Yes! "It's your fault," he teased back as he emerged from their sleeping space. In a flash of insight Ayla realized what she needed to do, how exactly to deal with her doubts and the concerns that she had for her children. Everyone had an opinion. ', "'No,' said the poor man. The men were around the campfire laughing and telling jokes. Mog-ur continued into the cave and to the leader's hearth. It had been less than three full moons ago that Jonayla had come to her worried that she would never find a man and now here she was, a woman with a mate. He'd seen these Others riding horses a few times before, but always from a great distance. But now big things were happening. Jaradal brushed it aside, having had his fun. ", "Yes," Cambarre agreed. 'If the Mother wants me to be First Zelandoni, she will speak this coming morning. "I know what you mean Melodene. Hopefully your generosity will make that grouchy leader like us a little better.". Jondalar and Durcan were making their careful descent down the steep path from the Ninth Cave. The loud young female of the Others, who had been there before, jumped from the back of one of the horses and the two women embraced. Usually where there was a wolf pup there was a dangerous wolf adult or pack close by. "Well, I'm not really sure what is happening north of North River," Tormaden began. As she lay back down, hugging Jondalar to her again, she murmured in his ear, "I wonder when we'll have young children in our dwelling again". Why? "So it is for real? Ayla was looking at a man who had been inside the beast. She called over her shoulder to Cambarre to make a fire and heat some water. The Chimu spoke a recognizable language that most of the Zelandonii could understand, once they got past the accent, but by having Melodene with them they would more easily be able to find those they were searching for. Jonayla said excitedly, "I think we should try to catch some horses. Melodene blushed. And if I'm not mistaken, you are Ranec and Tricie's son! None of the hunters seemed to mind," he said, smiling at her, feeling a bit smug that he'd thought to do it. "You can enjoy the Summer Meeting and have your meals at the Ninth's camp. It was important that they had not reached puberty; as a mature person who was not Zelandoni would pollute the ceremonies with their untrained adult passions. Grief stricken, Ayla didn't notice that dusty smoke was still billowing out of the mouth of the cave behind her. "Tell me, will they do something about these people who are killing my people? "No, don't give him to me. I'm going to be happy to have children around our dwelling again! As she had done many times before, Ayla wanted to make that dish for a special friend. He noticed tiny little lines at the edge of her eyes, laugh lines, he thought. Ayla had tears in her eyes as she stood back to inspect the young man. He had a momentary pang of guilt, remembering their misunderstandings of the past. That will take place tomorrow morning. Durcan was doubly embarrassed now, knowing Willamar was smiling because of Folrian's kiss. "You're absolutely right Cambarre; my parents shared pleasures with others. "Jonayla, I'm glad you decided to become an Acolyte. 'I don't want any more salt!'. "This woman leads the Others' in their fight against the wild men. "I will discuss it with Groog's Mog-ur," she looked at the Mog-ur and nodded. Jondalar shrugged those thoughts off. As Ayla listened to the Seventh speak, she was sure that he wasn't being sincere, there was something missing in his body language, he wasn't showing conviction in his movements and his eyes showed no commitment to his words. Then she reached into her pouch once more and brought out another small container. Chapter 34 "What do you mean Joharran? "Not necessary, the Donier of Third Cave at Two Rivers has taken charge of that task. There were still snow flurries from time to time, but ice was breaking up in The River and water could be seen again glinting in the sun from time to time. "You only have to talk to Groog," she nodded to the man of the Clan who was engaged in a silent conversation with Durcan at the edge of the encampment, "to know that they are intelligent people. Not that he thought she would ever need a boy to help her. "I hope you don't mind if we exaggerate some, it is the storyteller's prerogative to make a story as interesting as possible." First Place is less than half the distance north of here and I can assure you of a welcome and the help you would need," Melodene of the Chimu said. We all saw it. Ayla said with urgency. Most of the people in the group hadn't realized what was just inside the cave opening so no one tried to stop him. They also knew there would be enough food to survive the winter with some to spare. Not a prospect she looked forward to after her recent experience with Brukeval. I'm not sure that I could ever love another wolf like I did Wolf, but I wouldn't mind having one around if you decide to find one of your own.". If we must, we can always move farther east, but I don't think they will bother us once the wild men are caught," Brog said confidently. Would they come to resent her? 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. Of course Durcan wanted to hunt and everyone agreed that was a good idea and praised his find for their meal that evening. Your sister and her mate have come back from their matrimonial trial time and father wanted to make sure you came home to greet them." "Mother?" She spoke as if she were talking to the urn or maybe The Earth Mother Herself, and Rubio wondered what she meant by it. 16. "The Sacred Mountain" begins ten years after Jean's final book, The Land of Painted Caves and is my version of where a seventh book might have led. If I remember right Cambarre was born eighteen summers ago, at least that is what Jondalar told me. All the Doniers had streaks of stark white paint on their faces. It is not seemly to see a female using weapons; it offends the people, the women of the Clan and is unsettling. "Daughter, look to the other wounded man, I'll take care of Jondalar," Ayla said breathlessly as she slid from a full run into a kneeling position beside his prostrate body. You don't know how much work it is to train wolf pups. That made them a bit nervous, but not so much so that they wanted to give up their hunt. He had trouble deciding how old these Others were. "Just sit here and let me look at you for a while.". Camma had many more questions to ask but decided that she would wait until she could ask the spiritual leader herself. His close relatives and then his friends from his home cave would be first in line. We have all been out on the hunt to make up for lost time. "You didn't answer my questions! My brother and I found Durc at the corral. Jonayla followed with a pole-drag that held the still unconscious boy, Robinar. Is this true? No one could remember a time before the Summer Meetings, but there were folk tales that had been passed down from ancient times telling of times of famine and want. Jondalar had always tried to imitate his mate's unique ability to do that, but he sighed as he pressed his hands to his knees as he slowly stood. The young boy skidded to a halt before his father. "Yessss, that was luck Brukeval, you couldn't asssk for a better hostage," someone with a lisping voice said. Three men and one woman shouted in excitement. What you couldn't know about our First Zelandoni is that she comes from far away. And when you gave me a colt to train," the Third said, with a smile of remembrance. I will thank Zelandoni and your brother's mate when I see them next. Things seemed settled for the moment, so Ayla made ready to leave, saying, "Now Proleva and I must leave you. As Ayla talked, she continued to sign the same information to Groog so he would understand what she said. "To test her submissiveness, Atta commanded Armuna to go with his personal guards and pleasure them, which she did. "I think we know how to load and prepare a pole-drag by now.". Cambarre watched his beautiful mate's sweetly curved hips swayed as she walked to the water's edge. Folara, Jondalar's sister, had mated with Aldanor, a man from the S'Armunai ten Summer Meetings ago. The town of Julian holds a special place in our hearts and Sacred Mountain was the first venue we toured. Maybe it is everybody's history. ", Without stopping Ayla replied, "Because daughter, they saved your father with almost the last of their fever fungus. "I'm sorry Star, but you would probably be trampled by those Auroch. Ayla looked around at her fellow Doniers, making eye contact with each. Ayla, as was usual for her in an emergency, took control. I'll stop by your story telling lodge to listen to some of your tales before too long. The spear would be inconvenient to carry but she didn't want to abandon it. It's almost as if fate was urging you to stay with us," Ayla smiled again, reminding Ralev of a story he'd decided to develop about a woman with a beautiful smile. 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