He walked into the water to stand next to her and asked for the lump of soap. Of the two siblings from South Face, Artibon and his sister Folrian, only she had stood by him when the other children had teased him, so he felt closer to her than to any of the others. She knew that she had been called by the Mother to lead the Zelandonia and that should be enough to satisfy her. The children could have become like their parents but instead they had grown up to be just the opposite. Your mother is an inspiration to anyone who can see beyond their nose. That's when Star began to howl his frustration at being tied up. Not waiting for Atta to die from the poison, Armuna walked over and looked down at him. These people of the Clan were so much more straightforward than those of her own people. She scrambled to her feet, forgetting her own rage for the moment and gripped Groog by the arm and tried to pull him away from the hideous sight. Then Groog slumped, almost falling, and would have if Jondalar hadn't caught him. The young boy skidded to a halt before his father. "I thought that we would be lucky this summer," said the Donier of the Fifth Cave. Why have you brought me here? Groog says there is someone ahead to the left! ', "'Well,' explained Havoe resignedly, 'this is a magic bowl. "Although I would regret leaving the Ninth Cave, I will do so if the people turn against the woman I love. Rough handling of women was encouraged by the leader, so there were many women who wished that things were different than they were. The huge normally docile beasts were now bleating and pounding the earth with their massive hooves as they ran in fear. He'd been up the valley when he'd heard about the visitors, but he hadn't thought too much about it until he reached their summer lodge and saw that Ayla had gone to meet them. He was telling the story of when Ayla and Jondalar had attended the Mamutoi Summer Meeting with the Lion Camp. "Will you be able to stay and watch me paint Wolf?". I could help with the elderly who can't make the journey and also help Jonayla and Cambarre by watching their baby while they're out working with the horses.". He so admired the strong and capable spiritual leader. Ayla in shock, fumbled with her carry pouch for her sling and a stone, but before she could open the pouch, Brukeval grabbed it, ripping it from her hands. She has a power in her that drives her unlike anyone else I've ever known. She looked at Cambarre, who flushed. If you want to give him to the southern Zelandoni, then I agree, the sooner, the better.". Ayla had opened and closed both hands five times to sign fifty. ", "I don't know, but please come with him when he is called and if you would interpret for him I would appreciate it. "And besides there are some very interesting people there, like Willamar the Master Trader, who can tell you some very interesting tales of adventure and travel to the western sea. She hoped that the leaders would make a favorable decision. 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. Mother! He could tell that she had caught on to the root of his story, but she didn't say anything as he looked back at the people and continued in a voice that carried into the night. There was blood oozing through a rough bandage wrapped about her mother's shoulder and Jonayla was instantly concerned for her, but Ayla waved her concern away and asked her to start a fire and boil water. In Clan speech! You have nothing to explain or to apologize for. If you have not read Jean Auel's Earth's Children series of six books yet, you're in for a treat. When it was Jonayla and Cambarre's turn, they clasped hands, her right hand in his left as they stepped forward. He hardly ever comes out of it. It was a striking tunic, like nothing he'd ever seen before. To forget his embarrassment, he began to talk about his home place. You're an accomplished hunter who could provide for a family and you're a man of ability. I see you only have one water bag hanging there," Ayla gestured to the one remaining bag hooked to a tripod. 2 guests We had to have some sort of distraction because there were just too many of them for me to take on alone," Cambarre said, looking at Jonayla's blood spattered body. Ayla looked past the man into the pines behind him. Do not disturb me when I am working!". "Come mounted this time and please bring Summer Child with you. With a shout he cut the bindings that held the poles together and with a loud groan the structure slowly collapsed. I was worried when she disappeared shortly after the Zelandonii left us. At night they would have torches attached to poles to give light that shone down on them from above, making it seem almost like day. The sun was almost directly above them in a clear blue sky as they crested a low rise in the terrain. To the south of the long narrow valley was a lush strip of dense forest that ran east and west as far as the eyes could see. It is of nature and should be shared. But if she honors us, I'd like to have as many children as you would like to make in me," Jonayla smiled. She didn't want to think about that, she wanted to think about this Zelandoni leader taking the fight to Skytalker and driving him away. It was a long night, but they were unhurt and they were together. The rest of Iza's Neanderthal clan accept the strange creature in their midst to varying degrees. Madroman whined when he saw who had come. "Mother, if we're going to the Clan cave, will you ask about the fungus that the medicine woman used on father? ', "The younger brother was about to thank the old man for this bit of useful information, but the old man held up his hand to silence him, 'The Spirit will offer you rare hides or excellent hunting weapons as reward, but you should not accept them. 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. As we talk, Auel - now 75, ''with 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren'' - is in the middle of what she clearly regards as the least interesting part of being a best-selling author (''It's lovely to get a call from Australia. 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. I certainly wasn't thinking about her. That's why, after Jondalar's mother had shown it to the other women, I put it away and never brought it out again. Ayla had been shocked that Brukeval would have already heard about her Clan son but this time she was prepared. She was relieved beyond measure to see her mate at that moment. She said that she would lead their group herself and would like to speak to the council of leaders about trade and closer friendship-ties between her people and theirs. They have the same problems that you have and they have the same fears and insecurities as you, so keep in mind how you would feel when you say things that may be hurtful to others.". You mean" his eyes widened. They looked at her and then around at the outdoor hearth and smiled shyly. Its strange crude carvings were commented upon and its massive shaft made the people wonder what sort of hunter could wield it. "Mongar, I am not an inexperienced child to be easily led. "It is a thing I discovered by accident. The tunic, which fell to a downward-pointing triangle at the back, opened down the front, with the section below the hips tapering so that when it was brought together, another downward-pointing triangle was created. I understand from your offspring that you too are trained as Medicine Woman?" Ayla dismissed the noise as a distraction and concentrated on the scene unfolding before her. He had been her ideal foil up till then. shrieked the older brother's mate. Several of the Caves will be leaving right after the last matrimonial two days from now so I thought we should have our meeting today, if possible. "Enjoy this time alone," Jondalar said as he stood beside Ayla, hugging her to him with a strong arm. Both children understood a great deal of the Clan language. Jonayla already knew what her mother meant. Jonayla looked into Cambarre's dark brown eyes. The worst sight was Durcan with a pole-drag carrying the boy's dead father. It was hard to make out what they were saying. Ayla wanted to have some distance between her family and the main river, so they continued in single file along the tributary's bank. This was a time when it was expected that good wishes should be exchanged between different groups, even if some lodges had no one mating at that particular Matrimonial. This will be my last summer because I'll be twelve next year and too old to continue in my place. For better or worse. After a brief pause, she continued with regret in her voice, "Looking back, I wish we had responded differently when those two men first arrived among us, but they fooled us all into believing they were from the Spirit World. But in that moment she realized that there would have been nothing short of taking him as her mate that would have satisfied him. Adding to the warning, he roared loudly, imitating the sound of a cave lion. '', So imagine her glee last year when the old scientific orthodoxy was turned on its head. She looked up at him and felt grief that she'd caused this man so much pain. It was surprising how short a time they'd actually known each other and what close friends they'd become. Go right now, I think we should leave at first light and I want to get that settled tonight. No! We have work to perform on the dwelling Ralev and his storytellers will be staying in this winter. She had never met anyone of her own kind until she'd met him. Everyone knew that The White Cave was an important spiritual place for all the Zelandonii people and it brought importance to their holding. You have our support because we can't think of anyone among us who would be a better leader." She learned these things when she lived alone in a valley in the middle of a wilderness.". Ayla walked down the central pathway to the back of the cave. It was late afternoon by then and their trek was almost done for the day. ", Jonayla looked up into his eyes and replied, "You won't die unless I am already dead. Being naked in their society was not unusual, but both men couldn't help but compare the women's physiques, the younger with the older. Where there was one, there may be another. The Mother, who you call Ursus, will have frightened the bad spirits away. As if the apparition had heard his thoughts, she stopped walking and looked straight into his eyes. "I'm afraid that I must head back to the Summer Meeting tomorrow. Jonayla was watching her mother as she chose the different herbs and roots and she understood what they were each used for. The thought made her momentarily feel old, but the thought of Jonayla having a newborn quickly replaced that thought with one of joy. She never had another child, which made her sad. More importantly, they were communicating on a personal level for the very first time, talking truths. Ayla leaned over and kissed her daughter on the cheek. Some said those hot white fires twinkling in the night sky were new souls being forged in the abode of the yet unborn. She had never for one moment forgotten Joplaya's sorrow. Ayla asked when she realized they weren't present. I know how I would feel if strangers had done this to my cave.". Ayla waited for an answer. But the deepest feeling he experienced when he looked into her blue-gray eyes, was pride. My mate and I brought you away and we will care for you until you are able to travel on your own.". "I was eventually forced out of the Clan by the same man who had attacked me. It turned out the vote was split and those who Ayla expected support from gave it and those she doubted would, withheld their support. "I think it might also be a good hiding place over on the far side of the pond. As day turned to night and Wolf had still not returned, Jondalar began to have a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. The Zelandonia had risen and partaken in a brief morning meal and were ready to return to the Summer Meeting long before the sun would become visible over the mountain's peak. The next morning the Zelandonii who had not gone on the hunt left for the Summer Meeting. Ayla was watching him as she lay beside him. Matagan had thrown the first spear as he broke free from the thick forest and saw Brukeval with spearthrower raised, standing over the Zelandoni. Rubio noticed that the Donier was looking at no one but him. Has anyone ever told you that?". Dula decided that she would have to watch carefully to judge just what level of knowledge this foreign woman of the Others had. 'I suppose I must let you have my bowl. What if the Mother had spoken to her of another morning and not this one? I can't watch you with Cambarre, it makes me sad to see you with him," Lorala said in a small voice. What do you think Jondalar? Jonayla looked thoughtful for a moment, bringing her left hand to her chin in concentration, and then nodded. I love you Jonayla. Jonayla replied, in an exasperated tone. Ayla was satisfied there was no serious damage to his little body. 'Jonlar' had started a fire in the hearth with his magic stones. I mean the Zelandoni of the White Cave will do as I ask and allow us to place Wolf's essence in the Sacred White Cave. How dare this woman lie to him about the Spirit World. "Oh," she said in surprise. Groog jerked awake. Storage lofts were built there to hold the dried grass and tripod stands were made to hold the many hide bags of mixed grains. You can come and hear too," Durcan offered. Ayla woke at dawn, even though she had stayed up late the night before talking to Mog-ur. "I love you Jondalar. After Jonayla and Cambarre had shared their rousing tales of adventures and had been told by Ralev that he would incorporate some of their details in future stories, the gathering began to break up. But watching them work on the unconscious man, wrapping his injuries and cleaning his wounds, it was obvious that he was like them in many ways and so they were beginning to see him as a human being; a strange looking human being to be sure, but human all the same. Soon the water was hot and the tea was made. Most Zelandonia suffer when they are called. "Maybe we should help them. "Alright," she said as she mounted Gray. It was her ashes that were now being carried back there to be placed with those who had been First before her. That is all I have to say for now.". You know why? Ayla was interrupted by Jonayla who had come forward with Cambarre. "Jondalar and I have brought two wonderful children into being, the Acolyte Jonayla, who you see here and my son, Durcan, both of whom are singular accomplishments in themselves. She had been signing as well as speaking out loud all this time so that her friend would be included too. He knew her talk of a lack of practice was just that, talk. His mother's mother had been forced by a man of the Others and had taken his spirt. Either the Mother would speak for her or remain silent and have her step aside. "Well, if the look on his face is any indication, I think you've convinced him that you're a spiritual leader.". Jonayla removed the halters and carry baskets and led them to the nearby stream to drink. It was situated so that there was no way to reach it from above without great effort, for the cliff wall was sheer and even tilted outward slightly as it rose upward. Then she turned back and walked away. They would make their camp down the trail from the holding that night and visit the Wolf Cave the next day. Even now she could see frost on the pebbles near the brook as she washed herself in the cold water. Ayla didn't want a big spear like this, an awkward thing to carry with her, but she knew it would be unacceptable to refuse a gift from the Mog-ur. They went back to the horses and removed the empty carry baskets to use as holders if they found any pups. Soon after Ayla's ceremonial recitation came to an end, the people began to line up at the tables to take their portions of food to join Blandar in his funeral feast. It must be the shock of the killings, she thought. The two young people looked out over the valley below in companionable silence for a while then began to talk about everyday things. It amazed her how nimble this man's mind was. She wanted to make the right impression on him this time. They had eaten food earlier and the children had gone out some time ago as had the man 'Jonlar'. It is the color that overcomes life as it ages. It had been a very busy morning for the Donier helpers. I'm as proud of my Clan son as I am of my Zelandonii son. And then on top of that, she would have to deal with the Madroman problem. Ayla turned back to the campfire. Soon Ayla joined her daughter in the drying treatment of their clothing. There was an ancient look reflected in this Mog-ur's eyes, the look of someone who had experienced the other side. From all indications there will be Yumpu.com 38kfollowers More information Book 7 The Sacred Mountain - A FanFic Novel by Andy Black Find this Pin and more on Quick savesby Anne Lillecrapp. She smiled and gratefully acknowledged these people, "I truly am grateful that you came and I appreciate that you have reminded me of a gentler time. As soon as we get back to the Summer Meeting that will be one of the first things I do. Im still hoping, tho. "Where's Sky?" As Jonayla walked toward the Clan man she had to dredge up from memory the way Clan women were supposed to ask Clan men for permission to speak. Please try again later. ", "Very well," Ayla replied. The thought crystallized in his mind. "Yes, alright, but don't get your hopes up for an early start. Patterson, James - Four Blind Mice.mobi - 376 kB. She felt excitement but couldn't decide if it was the horse or Willamar's arm causing it. "I just was asking if they were well." "Think about it daughter. He looked like he could be dangerous. Nothing he said made a difference. Jonayla followed but couldn't stop from commenting. The people murmured nervously as the two females of the Others approached. ", Jonayla had captured both rambunctious pups by then, with one under each arm and breathing a little hard, she replied, "I still don't understand why you didn't want it. Also, he traveled light and therefore could take advantage of any opportunity that might arise to hunt along the way. When I was young, many summers ago, it would have been a problem, having a territory that is so stretched out, but now with horses we can move supplies where they are needed so that a larger territory is now practical. Ayla spotted a place beside a runoff stream that seemed a likely spot for the night. Then in the silence she heard a vaguely familiar lisping voice. Should I have traded to my advantage when I know how important the root is to them? Why would Wolf suddenly go into a frenzy of activity like that? Maybe that was why she was so special and had so many talents for just one person. I think it is important for a son to see his father's burial ceremony and not to just hear about it from others," Ayla said with conviction. But he wasn't willing to accept everything that was said about her. ", "No they wouldn't!" Once he had delivered the Chimu to First Place, he would gather a couple of volunteers who were accomplished with a spearthrower and with Groog as their guide, bring them back to the Clan cave where Ayla would wait for them. "She also made every effort to befriend the women of the tribe. Look at all the people here. To the casual observer, the Donier of the Ninth Cave was as serene and confident as always. ", Ralev, who was a very astute individual, frowned. I sometimes miss traveling with just family and I always like seeing old friends and other places," Ayla said sincerely. I hoped that she had followed you, but didn't expect her to be taken in. Mongar signed with raised eyebrows. Although she was slightly built compared to the hugely muscled Clan male, she was still slightly taller than him and when she reached her full adult height she would probably be even taller yet. She didn't want to be one of those women who ruin their mate's first evening meal. And at my time of life!". Jondalar reflected that he himself hadn't worked that hard at anything when he was his son's age. "What's so important about talking to a medicine woman Ayla? Jondalar shrugged those thoughts off. By the morning of the new day, everyone had heard the story of how their First Zelandoni had killed a hunting cave lion all by herself with nothing but a Clan spear. Her eyes widened in surprise as she recognized Jonayla and then her handsome companion. "Yes, just dazed, she'll recover," Ayla responded. You'll get to hear all of his stories mother.". "Thank you Zelandoni," she said, trying to smile. They were all small, single wicked stone lamps, but the bases were tall, in order to hold a good supply of oil. It took a few moments before she was willing to respond. Ayla was no longer listening; she had turned back to her man's wound. He had to admit that it was a powerful sight though. she asked Camma. She didn't want to go to the smelly old Clan cave again, but she wanted to let her mother go straight back to her father. Both Ayla and Jonayla went to the horses to make sure they had access to water and grass. It was also decided that Groog would accompany them so he could lead them to his Clan. I miss the domestic things, it makes me feel I'm among family again to be here with you. And if you don't eat and pay attention to your health you won't be strong enough to endure all the arguing and bickering that will go on at the gathering. "I say we should help the Others. I had been alone for years and years before Jondalar came to me. Dula forgot herself and stared at the female Mog-ur. It shouldn't be very long." Ayla seemed to bring that feeling out in men, especially younger men. Pole-drags slowed the horses and although the Doniers from Two Rivers, Little Valley and River Place had joined the procession from the start, other Doniers had traveled west and south to meet them on the trail so that as many of them as could, would arrive together. There were some calls of support. 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. "That was something special Jondalar! ''They've never been out of print and they've been published in something like 35 languages,'' she says. We will need to go into the corral and seek out those we want to take away. She learned to do it from the Mamutoi, only they would have made it from Mammoth meat.". Ayla didn't like the man; she thought he might be even more dangerous than Brukeval. They jumped up from their chosen places and as tradition demanded, each hunter would choose an animal, run to a place in its path and then as the beast came upon him he would thrust his heavy hunting spear with the deadly fire-hardened point into the beast's side, preferably his neck, but between the ribs would also be a killing blow. As blood dries it darkens, becomes brown. But for now, it's not possible, not if you want to get the young away to your home corral.". What would change that in the future?" "Mog-ur, I have listened and watched them for over two full moons and I have learned that they are not all bad like those that fight and kill. These things when she realized they were each used for my bowl have satisfied him on head. Slowly collapsed falling, and then nodded night and visit the Wolf Cave the next morning Zelandonii. That held the poles together and with a pole-drag carrying the boy 's dead father he. 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