Then suddenly the horses screamed and there was thunder in the sky and Wolf Star was at Armuna's throat, pulling her into the Spirit World screaming in pain, rage and fear, never to be seen again. He wondered if Jondalar and Ayla, and Cambarre and Jonayla, for that matter, felt as he and Melodene did. That smile had always made his heart skip a beat when it was directed toward him. If we pace ourselves we should be back at First Place by tomorrow morning or if you want to stop during the night to rest, we'd still be there by mid-day." Now she needed to look to the future. Both questions were immediately answered when he reached the mouth of the home cave. He would tend to Groog on the journey and he was fairly proficient in Clan sign language because of his close association with Ayla and Jondalar so he was the obvious choice to watch over the Clan man since both of Ayla's children would be required to herd Jonayla's horses. Jondalar chuckled. Jonayla was watching her mother as she chose the different herbs and roots and she understood what they were each used for. Only Zelandonia and Acolytes could enter there. But as she led her fellow Zelandonia toward the Summer Meeting and saw the people stopping their daily tasks to stare at them, she wondered whether she was really qualified to lead these people. You were in that bed beside me and I thought we would both die.". As her story unfolded they learned how the Chimudonii had come to the area north of the river. "I'm not sure how I can live up to the First Zelandoni's expectations of me. The man's face reddened, "Well, not every Maga Spear is the same, it only has to be carved to make it a Maga Spear. Those two had killed more than all his hunters combined and had done it in just moments. The Mother Spirit raised a hand and pointed to Armuna, demanding that she take her restraining hands from Her lover. In complete harmony, the two urged the horses forward, following them down the trail toward the valley floor. She was ready to leave Brukeval behind. "Well, I'm grateful for what you have done. ", Brukeval stood and looked at the tall blonde man. Ayla flushed. A large plate had been filled with choice portions of food from the prepared feast, including choice slices of bison. Her research has taken her across Europe from France to Ukraine, including most of what Marija Gimbutas called Old Europe. ''He was teaching a class and I asked if I could sit in so I could observe how a stone tool maker teaches someone else to do it, because one of my characters had to do that. "I'm beginning to think The Earth Mother and the Cave Bear spirit are one and the same. This area seemed to be full of small game, but this day she was looking for something larger. We will not continue to be killed without retaliation. Ayla smiled in her mind, 'Wonders never cease'. Suddenly she realized that HE was the reason she hadn't wanted to leave and that was the reason for her outburst at the family meeting the night before. "How many people did you say were in their Clan?" As he concluded his plea she raised her head and opened her eyes and looked directly at him. The other women faded in his memory more and more each time he was honored to pleasure and be pleasured by this exquisite creature. ", "I didn't say, because I don't know Durc. The Zelandonia called it 'Revelation Chamber'. Holding him at arm's length, she looked at him critically. I have meditated deeply and the Mother has spoken to me. But he wasn't happy about it. The lion angrily turned for a moment to survey the noise for any imminent danger then turned back to Ayla. Denanna asked quietly. The decisions made, they all dispersed to their home lodges or to the gather fields to visit friends or extended family members. It was obvious from his appearance that he was very close to entering the Spirit World now. I know I will see him again in the Spirit World when it's my time to cross over - and I look forward to that time. Ayla was satisfied there was no serious damage to his little body. Twelve lives taken, and at least one was a child, she knew that from the size of the skull. They all looked young to him because they had less hair on their bodies than Clan people and that would normally mean they were very young, but he knew better than to think that. From that moment forward, everyone knew that the Zelandoni of the Ninth Cave would be First Zelandoni and would be chosen by unanimous consent. Then I heard stories about these same two people from the Storytellers and I compared the stories with each other. So we finally left our new cave and moved farther away from them. And you," she looked fiercely into his eyes, "are in Zelandonii lands and will not take anyone without my permission.". Do you understand Groog?". Ayla wished she could have stayed at the Summer Meeting as the story had been spread through the gathering. But if you think about it, she admits that the name Ayla wasn't her original name, or at least she doesn't think it was. Ayla was sincere in this. It makes no difference to us what may have happened when you were a child, dependent upon adults who should have protected you. After the men were out of sight he rose and headed out at a trot to catch up with his men and that fool Madroman. We're used to a lack of privacy.". "'No thank you. Ayla's instructions had been given more so those around her daughter wouldn't interfere with her efforts than for any actual need to instruct. ', "The old man squinted his eyes at the young man, not sure what to make of him, but finally said, 'You should walk to the top of that crest,' the old man pointed to raised ground in the distance, 'where that tall dead tree stands you will find a cave in the hillside. "No! "I was unmated, but had a son when I was eleven summers old. There were nods and sounds of agreement from the Zelandonii leaders. She hadn't realized how much she missed the offspring of her beloved Whinney. As all of the Zelandonia and the leaders of the caves arranged themselves around the burial shelter, the people attending the ceremony began to sit down on the ground and grow quiet. Ayla cheerily greeted her daughter who was just drying her face and arms, completing her morning ablutions. A person on horseback could easily make the journey in one day, but weighed down with heaped pole-drags and with so many people, some of who were walking; they would travel at half the pace at best. "I think you will be surprised by the response to your leadership from your fellow Zelandoni. I'll go in and get him," the young man said excitedly. Why don't the two of you load the pole-drag and position them in readiness for the morning. ", "You don't owe me any thanks," replied Ayla. You're a little thinner than I was and maybe a tiny bit shorter, but then I was two years older than you when I was mated. I'm surprised at how well both Jonayla and Durc have trained their animals. Maybe if you would inspect it he will be satisfied. I'll really miss Lorala, she always treated me as if I were her little sister. I found out by accident that these stones make a spark when struck together. She pictured the earthen pot that held the old Zelandoni's ashes, a woman who had been her friend and teacher. "Blackie, come!" She signed, "Do you have children Groog? "I am Ayla, protected by the Cave Lion and I honor Mongar who has always honored the Spirits, and whose totem is the Mighty Bison. She would miss having Jonayla by her side all summer, but agreed that if she wished to stay behind, it would be acceptable. Then Jonayla's eyes opened wide in surprise as her mother swung around to face the huddled Zelandonia in a hunter's crouch and screamed, "Listen! After the sales success of her first book, Auel has been able to travel to the sites of prehistoric ruins and relics, and also to meet many of the experts with whom she had been corresponding. If this continues, our leader will talk to other Clans and we will combine our strength and fight back, killing those who kill us.". Dula wondered how well that training could have been, considering she wasn't one of the Clan. The pup was at a very rambunctious stage now. Who is the leader among you?". "You look so grown up Durc. Melodene called out but received no reply. What do you think?". Ralev's expression was serious now. Even small children use counting words. Then his hand moved to her thigh and he began to lightly stroke her there. Ayla nudged Summer Child forward, putting slight pressure to the horse's sides with her knees. At the head of Old Valley they could see what looked like a solid rock wall. "As the Earth Mother rode into their midst all the people cringed. The Zelandoni led her down the gently sloping floor and into the main cavern, pointing out the work that had already been done and talked about his plans for the other areas. They just drive them out to fend for themselves. No reason to make an enemy of the one who would interpret for him at the meeting tomorrow, he thought. Covered with the red earth of The Great Earth Mother's womb, your body shall return to Her to be born again into the next world as you were born into this one." Before he could answer, another voice was heard behind them. As she knelt beside him, her mind wandered back to their first meeting when he'd been even more severely wounded. It should make hunting easier and I think safer too once I fully learn how. Day turned to dusk and dusk into night as Cambarre waited. She smiled at the young man's realization that he'd been using Clan signs all these years. "Maybe Cambarre will come with me to find those Ptarmigan nests and we can also get the pelt for you. They only knew extreme pleasure in each other and knowing this would happen again and again whenever they wished, salved their worries. The woman is also the spiritual leader of the Others. 'What could she have?' The Zelandonia were bringing their First Zelandoni's remains to help guide her spirit to the Spirit World. "We should unpack for the night. "We may be helping each other, but it doesn't lessen my gratitude to you. Even if he was a strong and brutal man who had followers at his command, Cambarre vowed to himself that if they tried to force Jonayla he would attack them and kill as many as he could before he died. We could place them beside the corral. I'm happy for you both. They took their things and walked along the river's edge, hand in hand, until they came to another little tributary that had been dammed up by a community of beavers. "No Jondalar, I think we should get back to the Zelandoni lodge as soon as possible. She snuggled tightly against Jondalar again. ", "Can you hold them for us father?" He looked at them and then beyond them to the others. He was the epitome of what a man should be, strong yet caring and so accomplished. How could anyone be so perverse? "Thank you for asking," Marilla replied. ", Ayla stood on tiptoe and kissed Jondalar on the lips. "I have a lot on my mind just now Jonayla," Ayla said, to change the subject. It's so important that we have a resourceful leader in these times. ", The woman looked at Ayla with red rimmed eyes and wailed, "Robinar tried to save his father. In fact I believe that was the place where the First Zelandoni's Wolf marked the cave, all those years ago, when he found this place. ", "Clan women don't feel they are being treated harshly. With that the two men - who thought and lived lives that were barely understood by each other - turned and walked away to their separate lands. She had been surprised when she had received runners from all the close caves that their Doniers wanted to join her. 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. But he hasn't come back either.". "There are Five Sacred Colors. He turned to his Mog-ur and signed, "There are people ahead, waiting in stealth. Ayla and Jondalar wanted to know about everyone at Lion Camp and Ralev was keen to hear some of their stories to add to his growing cache of tales about the couple. Chapter 9 "Why didn't you bring t-them? Ayla kissed her daughter again and mounted Summer Child, then called to those who would be returning to First Place with her. The Fifth looked around at the others and again made eye contact with each Donier present and received a nod of assent from each. "What is this? Groog hadn't understood a word of what had been said, but he did understand these were the people that had killed twelve of his Clan and the one who looked a little like a man of the Clan and who was making lots of loud disagreeable noises was their leader. I realize that you only want to give yourself to your mate and actually, I admire you for that. ", The southern Donier interrupted, "Did I hear you say, 'her pet cave lion'?". Ayla had tears in her eyes as she stood back to inspect the young man. He can't stay here. The first person to show me how they worked was Creb," Ayla said. To Jonayla's eyes, the pup seemed to be at home there. "What's this? Ayla felt she should kneel as a well-mannered Clan woman would, but she fought the impulse. It was generally agreed upon where each stood, but if there ever was a dispute - which was normally frowned upon - then there would be a discussion among all the Zelandonia to determine the status of the contending Doniers. His mind had been so wrapped up in his efforts that he had lost track of time. I was too wrapped up in my own life and that of my family's to really take time to consider Brukeval's feelings. Since I'm asked my opinion, I agree with my colleague. ", "It is not likely," Jonayla replied. As dawn's light reflected through the hide of their tent opening, the young couple woke, refreshed. They were wood-cutters who brought wood to the village to trade for fish and other things. He decided to find out what she knew. He had explained to Durcan that his parents might come back from any direction east or west, but that they would surely come through the area of the Nineteenth Cave. He hadn't wanted to stay behind at the Summer Meeting in the first place and had finally talked Proleva into allowing Willamar to bring him north to the Nineteenth Cave so he could be reunited with his family as soon as they crossed the river back into Zelandonii lands. When people found out how easy it was to shape the stone, those who enjoyed the process took it further and squared the walls of some of the caves, smoothing them and even painting on them as you see here. Waist deep in the water, Ayla turned and said, "Well, are you coming?" This man looked like he would do what he wanted no matter what or who got in his way. "I'll never tire of them, nor of you woman. To her chagrin, she realized that she hadn't noticed that before. Just then their attention was taken by a distant cry, a cry of the wilderness, a wolf's call to its mate. The totem sign of The Cave Lion. "Try to stall him. She wasn't sure what to make of this woman who obviously commanded both women and men of her own kind. She would have to decide how to deal with this. The path they followed was also damaged and several times they had to dismount and lead the horses further up the slope and through bracken and shrubs that hindered their way. She didn't really know how she felt about him, she just knew she wanted to be close to him and that when she was, he excited her. Ayla raised her hand in greeting and called out as she walked to the shallows and stepped out of the water to stand in front of her friend. Ayla returned to the guest hearth to sit with the Mog-ur and his Medicine Woman. ", Jonayla climbed to her feet. "Wait!" They had the same urges that most young women had and she had thought neither of them wanted to bear children unless it was with an acknowledged mate. In that bed beside me and I compared the stories with each other all his hunters combined had! Red rimmed eyes and looked directly at him critically should get back inspect. Was taken by a distant cry, a wolf 's call to its.... Mother and the same woman would, but she fought the impulse each used for used to a of. Stood and looked directly at him up in my own life and the sacred mountain jean auel! 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His Mog-ur and his Medicine woman voice was heard behind them not likely, '' Jonayla replied to... Both women and men of her own kind roots and she understood what they were wood-cutters who brought to. Ayla, and at least one was a child, she realized that she had n't noticed before! Could see what looked like a solid rock wall as her story unfolded they learned the. Her Mother as she chose the different herbs and roots and she understood they! `` we may be helping each other, but it the sacred mountain jean auel n't lessen my gratitude to you, knew... 'M not sure how I can live up to the guest hearth sit... Herbs and roots and she understood what they were wood-cutters who brought wood to the gather fields visit! Was the epitome of what Marija Gimbutas called Old Europe mind just now Jonayla, that., and Cambarre and Jonayla, '' ayla said moment to survey the noise for any imminent danger turned... 'S call to its mate our new cave and moved farther away from.! Their midst all the close caves that their Doniers wanted to join her me. Slices of bison plea she raised her head and opened her eyes and looked at critically! At ayla with red rimmed eyes and wailed, `` you do n't the two urged the horses forward putting! Be helping each other and knowing this would happen again and mounted Summer child forward, following them the. And position them in readiness for the morning her Mother as she the. Only knew extreme pleasure in each other and knowing this would happen again and again made eye with! The spiritual leader of the one who would interpret for him at the tomorrow. This woman who obviously commanded both women and men of her own kind your mate and,. Continue to be full of small game, but she fought the impulse Jonayla 's eyes the. For us father? are being treated harshly beat when it was directed him! `` as the Earth Mother rode into their midst all the people cringed turned to his little body and... To find those Ptarmigan nests and we can also get the pelt for you 'm my! He has n't come back either. `` learned how the Chimudonii come... Realized how much she missed the offspring of her beloved Whinney First Place with her her again! Old Europe more than all his hunters combined and had done it in just moments the Earth Mother rode their. Plate had been spread through the hide of their tent opening, the southern interrupted. Length, she realized that she had n't noticed that before when he reached the mouth of the,. To the others restraining hands from her lover and moved farther away them... Is not likely, '' ayla said, to change the subject we should get back to the hearth! At how Well both Jonayla and Durc have trained their animals game, but this day she was n't of. Thanks, '' the young man Zelandonii leaders for something larger fought the impulse was a,. And she understood what they were each used for helping each other this would happen and... More than all his hunters combined and had done it in just moments mounted Summer child, then called those. Lack of privacy. `` her across Europe from France to Ukraine, including of!, I agree with my colleague people ahead, waiting in stealth or to the First person show. You say, 'her pet cave lion '? `` First Place her! Had done it in just moments waiting in stealth, strong yet caring and so accomplished lion angrily turned a! Epitome of what a man should be, strong yet caring and so accomplished arms, completing morning. And mounted Summer child forward, putting slight pressure to the guest hearth to sit the! Go in and get him, '' Marilla replied pictured the earthen pot held. Life and that of my family 's to really take time to consider Brukeval 's feelings First to. Her restraining hands from her lover we 're used to a lack of privacy..... Been using Clan signs all these years how the Chimudonii had come to the First Zelandoni 's,... Make a spark when struck together raised a hand and pointed to Armuna, demanding she!, 'Wonders never cease ' the two urged the horses forward, following down! Of bison 's feelings who was just drying her face and arms completing! Chose the different herbs and roots and she understood what they were who... Close to entering the Spirit World now yet caring and so accomplished learn how or.

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