"What is this about the moon and what is 'harvest'?" '', Despite the science, Auel has used her imagination to create the spiritual belief system that is at the core of Ayla's world. Carefully! Shura decided to try lighting a fire before talking to Brog, to see if she too could perform the miracle. In complete harmony, the two urged the horses forward, following them down the trail toward the valley floor. I want him to think of you as a friend, it will help me if you do this." He appeared to be unconscious. As a Mog-ur of the Clan, he was used to eliciting some fear and respect so this was not unusual, but the rude stares that were furtively directed at him by these leaders of the Others was disconcerting. ", "I don't know," Cambarre said. "Who wants to know?" I greet you. What now interested him even more than the legend child was the fact that this female Mog-ur used counting words so easily as if she understood everything about them. They will hold you here until someone from our people comes to collect you. "That was something special Jondalar! This was the first place that the Chimu settled and the cavern is a sacred place to our people. Lorala wasn't really related to her, but Jonayla's parents had pledged to care for her and her siblings a long time ago when Jonayla had been a small child, so Lorala and her older sister Lanoga had been like family as far back as she could remember. Dula wondered how well that training could have been, considering she wasn't one of the Clan. Mongar stood with angry eyes as Ayla and Brog stepped into the ring of stones that denoted his hearth area. I would like a man who can think fast on his feet and can use a weapon in his defense. Brukeval's eyes always looked angry. "That has to be a sign. The Summer Meetings had really become a gathering of the people for trade and to mingle; a place to look for a mate. The southern Donier had seen Ayla and her daughter ride into camp. She turned back and scrutinized the area ahead of them but saw nothing. They also heard stories of her being attacked by the cave lion. The Zelandonii made camp where they were. "It appeared that he was curious about them because they were 'Others', he wasn't hostile at all. Didn't she say anything? He needed to convey all of this - and soon - or the Clan would retaliate and that could only make things worse, or so his Mog-ur had told him. "You could just as easily be a candidate yourself. Durcan had always been a popular and accomplished child, the people wouldn't take her past out on her boy. It soon became impossible to stay together or to even keep track of each other. Rubio immediately turned on his heel and began to race to his father and the elders. It's not an easy thing to go against what everyone else thinks is the right thing to do, but you did just that and because of that, brought your people though a rough time. Over that time there had grown a wealth of foodstuffs for the taking. 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. Just before she was about to stand he finally tapped her shoulder. ", Ayla thought to herself, 'What a brave little boy. To her shock and horror a huge hairy monster rose right out of the earth as a bullroarer began its eerie moan, then another bullroarer and then another began to roar until the whole meadow buzzed menacingly with the sound. Newly mated couples left immediately after the ceremony was over. "As the Earth Mother rode into their midst all the people cringed. All the while she was complying with his demand she was trying to think what Brukeval might do next and what her response should be. However, a brutal youth, who is about to become the next leader of the Clan, does not like her and sees her as a possible threat. He is the man that I still think of as my father. Rubio knew that she was old enough to be his mother, but he was still attracted to her as a man would be to a woman, although he wasn't sure what that really meant. 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. It might have been that she looked nervous or it could have been a brief look of hatred in her eyes. She took his hand in hers, snuggled against him, closed her eyes, and smiled. Deep within the cave proper was The Mother's Heart, the innermost sanctum of The Earth Mother. Melodene blushed. she asked the Zelandoni of the Fifth Cave, who was responsible for the lodge that morning. They had all seen their bloodied First Zelandoni riding through camp with an injured boy, his dead father and the cave lion that had killed him. Jonayla exclaimed in surprise. I think he just needed someone to be close to and I was willing.". Then she placed heating stones in the small fire with wooden tongs. Durcan wasn't happy about being left behind, but Ayla reassured herself that at eleven summers, he would soon find things to distract himself from his disappointment. Ayla drew up at the circle of stones that formed the outdoor hearth and Clan-signed Jonayla to go quietly to their individual hearth and to remain there until she could join her. He rose up to stand straight in the herd's path then began to jump up and down while waving his spear and hide strips above his head. What if Wolf somehow knew that Ayla or Jonayla were hurt or worse? He would be at the center of it all. "You will not be bothered by rude eyes in this dwelling. This ceremony would just be a confirmation of their relationships. "There would be no prohibition against it, like there is for my brother or for father. As expected, the story about the First Zelandoni's Clan child had spread through the Zelandonii gathering like wildfire. "Yes Mog-ur and I need to speak to you about something I have learned there. Durcan and two of his new friends, Artibon and Folrian, were wandering around the Summer Meeting, taking in the sights and sounds of the large gathering when they stopped at the storyteller's lodge. That scene also provoked some scientific criticism. It is not up to us what happens to them, we're just supposed to bring them in. Let me see our little visitor," he said, stopping in front of the young couple. This was no time to trip and hurt himself when an event this important was on their doorstep. After all this time he had thought that her secret was safe. Ayla looked up at Joharran standing before them, "Greetings Joharran," she said and also signed for the benefit of the Clan people beside her. Then he heard Brukeval say, "I look forward to making your pretty mother do as I say, if she ever wants to see you alive again. He smiled winningly and looked at Jondalar and Jonayla for their agreement. Ayla had forgotten what a small wolf could get up to. While you do the cooking, I'll unload the horses and hobble them by the brook so they can graze and easily reach the water. [7] It was also later adapted into a screenplay for the film of the same name. "I'm going to miss you Durc. ", "I'm sorry, but that isn't up to me. "If somehow I could have just fit in as Jondalar's mate I would have been happy. "Yes, exactly, that is why we must have a real conversation between all of the Zelandonia and an agreed upon way forward. Her skin glowed golden and smooth in the firelight. "Armuna called to the other women who hated these men as much as she, but who were more timid than her. Everyone was interested to know more about the Clan's hunting methods. Brukeval was suddenly gone from her view. He had to find a way to get Jonayla away from these two and their band of followers. And the fact is I can't have you" He looked up at the sound as several people broke into the open not far from them. Having completed the ritual, she indicated the food on the many tables and finished by saying, "Come everyone, feast in honor of our departed brother.". I don't like the violence and I want it to stop. Some did accept him, many didn't. "Greetings Folrian," Proleva said as if Folrian were an adult, making the girl feel welcome indeed. He didn't think that he'd ever seen anyone better with a sling than her. "What! It felt so wonderful to be there like that. So it came to pass that the young couple were proud parents of a healthy screaming baby girl who they named Marthona. ", Jonayla responded, "Greetings Groog, I think she will be busy with the leaders and visiting Zelandonia that have arrived. ", Joharran spoke first, "As far as I'm concerned you answered the questions I had. Many of her readers say they have reread the series over and over again in order to re-live the "Ayla" experience. He thought to himself, but as he surreptitiously glanced sideways at her from time to time, he noticed that she seemed to be trembling slightly. Ayla hoped it could be done quickly. This was the moon phase in which my friend Lorala was born." "Zelandoni, I understand your doubt, but I am not my predecessor, I care greatly that both the south and north become one people in more than name only. Jean M. Auel Message Board. If you would return to your people and ask them to stop anyone fleeing to the north we should have this unpleasantness done before sunset tomorrow. My experience in leadership is second to none. The eagles were only thirty arrow lengths from the ground with Ayla almost directly beneath them when they broke apart again. "It is a thing I discovered by accident. Then she looked around at the people staring at them and then at those following. "I will leave this with you so you can drink when you wish," she signed, placing the water bag within easy reach. 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. The sun was peaking over the ridge when they first saw smoke rising from Hill Top Holding. She and Doroban were mounting their horses when Jonayla called after them. She didn't want to be one of those women who ruin their mate's first evening meal. "Brukeval's men had brought in two wounded hunters and that man over there." Cambarre could hardly believe that any man would do this to a woman. He walked into the water to stand next to her and asked for the lump of soap. They could see a small herd of horses in a meadow some distance away. Cambarre didn't hesitate. As they hurried north the reduced flow of the river became more noticeable and Durcan pointed it out. I think since the southern Doniers and their Acolytes had to take the eastern route and will end up visiting at least four other caves before reaching the Ninth Cave, we should have at least five more days to accomplish what is necessary at Hilltop and travel home, probably with a day or two to spare. They had been in the glade for about five hours now and it was late afternoon. Bagba is dying and if you curse him with some strange medicine he may not be able to hunt for food and greet his ancestors in the Spirit World.". He knew of men who shirked their duty to provide and he knew what people thought of them. The whole family helped, including Joharran and Proleva and even Jaradal when he wasn't leading a hunt. Then he realized what his small group must look like; their First Zelandoni was naked to the waist and had a bandaged shoulder, her left side was smeared with blood, her leggings soaked in the boy's blood, and she was holding a Clan spear covered with dried blood. She said the last part as she stepped through the door to the outside with her arms full of parcels. He so admired the strong and capable spiritual leader. ', "The older brother was far out to sea by now, far away from any land. He expected trouble and wanted the strongest men in the lead. You are helping not only our people but those of the Chimu who will join you in the search. Ayla was relieved to see Proleva coming toward her. Durcan ranged about on Lightning, looking for likely game trails. Cambarre remained silent. It was his turn to watch from the high ground above the cave for any signs of unusual activity in the valley. "Ayla! We haven't heard any sounds of pursuit for a while now and I don't think we want to enter those hills in front of us, do we?". I enjoy well told stories, especially ones I haven't heard before," Durcan replied. The people who had witnessed this interaction between mother and daughter believed that some other-worldly communication had taken place between the two, not recognizing the signs for what they were. If you would also come too, it would be appreciated.". Sometimes when a big story was being told, one that had been announced during the day, they would build a huge bonfire and walk around it, speaking many parts using a group of storytellers. Let me talk to him and see if I can convince him that we're no threat.". I only know them as committed to each other and as you said, it's obvious that they love each other.". Riding on an animal was new to Melodene. He wasn't going to hurt me when he stood over me with raised weapon. Jonayla jumped down from her horse, followed by Cambarre. Seeing this, Ayla waxed nostalgic, thinking of all the summer lodges in her life. My only reason for writing this book is to continue the vibrant saga that Jean created over the past forty years. Ayla and Jonayla took the marker away to the stream and worked on it with sharp flint to remove the bark, and sand and water to make the stripped surface smooth. she said and stared up at him sternly. He would be content to stay behind and enjoy a quiet summer with the newborns. It was difficult to know who to deal with among these strange people who let females make men's decisions. It was hard to believe that this man was some sort of relative of Joharran and Jondalar; he looked nothing like the two men. "No, I have mated before and it didn't work out very well," Melodene said. The night before their departure, Ayla had taken time to meet with the other Doniers and assure them that she would meet with them again soon after her return from the north. "I almost died giving birth to Durc. After that summer, many of the people were less judgmental about being different and eventually they became more understanding and accepting of people that were different looking, all because Ayla had shown them the way with that little boy of mixed spirits. "When I tried to carry this man away," Ayla gestured toward Groog, "Brukeval was so mad that he attacked me, knocking me to the ground and threatening me with disfigurement. The complex of sacred places had been cleared and mostly repaired over the past several moons since the Earth Mother had spoken. She felt it warranted under the circumstances. She is an amazing woman who thinks of herself as ordinary, or at least did before the Mother began to speak through her. "I would be your friend if you will let me." Those would be the young hunters who would take most of the dry-preserved meat with them on pole-drags. The young couple was on the trail before the sun reached the top of their sheltering bluff. Jondalar had been worried about her and was at her side to help her down from Summer Child. Am I too late to hear the story?" "Zelandoni Who Is First," the Third returned in a properly subdued voice. I need to place The One Who Was First Zelandoni in her Spirit Place. When Folara left to return to take food to her mate, Ayla decided that while they were alone it might be worth broaching her daughter's problems. The Clan had no term for "thank you" they understood gratitude, but that generally carried a sense of obligation. We will be there the day after tomorrow," Deanna replied. The female looked like a spirit, one that had power, one that could make trouble for the Clan. She knew there was nothing there that would jump out at her. Will you do that for me? Jondalar wasn't convinced, he'd been watching her ever since the confrontation with the cave lion and he thought that she might be suffering from the poison associated with cat claw wounds and said so. It seemed that more and more, the dreams came to her without any help from the Absinthe tea. Jondalar turned toward the leader of Old Valley, "Ramacol, do you think you could spare some travel food so we won't have to stop along the way to hunt? Then Jonayla reached down to wash her man below the water line and Cambarre couldn't help the groan of pleasure as soapy fingers found his stiff manhood. They had grown prosperous and multiplied without any natural disasters to thin their ranks, they had grown to two holdings and were looking for a place to build a third. She had learned the medicine woman's art of using herbs for special flavoring from her mother. Look." Once she had completed these movements she discarded the containers in the dirt at her feet, as if forgotten. It was frightening to realize that there were so many of these Others. "Jonayla, I was so worried! It was mid-day by the time the first people from the long column of Ninth Cave reached the descending trailhead into Old Valley. Ayla did lay awake for a while though, listening to her child's breathing. The elderly Zelandoni of the Third Cave had helped Ayla with the cremation, as was required by tradition when a First Zelandoni passed to the Spirit World. He told Jonayla about his hearth family and his cave. He was old and he died before I was born. He'd heard that when his father was a young man there had been a Donier gathering to choose the former First Zelandoni. Still sobbing quietly Ayla hugged her daughter. As he was saying his farewells Artibon asked if he could come with him. "Let's see, there are eleven communities north of Big River and six south. You'll see what I mean in time. I heard her once tell Zelandoni who was First before her, that she felt her name had been given to her by the Mother. The sight of smoke had bothered everyone. Jondalar didn't say anything. Cambarre looked down at his hand now enfolded within hers and then into her amazingly blue eyes. "I think you should take better care of yourself, you have so much to do at the gathering. The Zelandoni of First Wolf Cave hurried toward them. Joharran and Cambarre returned at dusk, bringing along with them one of the two Chimudonii women who had been with the interlopers at the cave. All the Doniers had streaks of stark white paint on their faces. She stood on her toes and kissed him on the lips. Then Ayla looked again at her daughter and noticed that her shocked gaze was focused at her feet. ", "Would you please send someone for him? What was she worrying about? "Yes, without a second thought, I would follow you anywhere. Both women were stroking Wolf's fur as they had done countless times in the past. I heard that you and your mate humiliated the Shaman in front of everyone. The worst sight was Durcan with a pole-drag carrying the boy's dead father. She had stopped far enough away so if they were not used to horses they wouldn't feel threatened. "This turned out to be true. She would have to face this Shaman and persevere. What they were seeing was an entire community massed together in less than a three hundred foot length at the base of a cliff. Do you think she will really want one?" I certainly didn't want any flat clan people walking around here unhindered.". Is it alright if we just go in?" Then she looked at her daughter who was sprawled on the ground looking at her, wild-eyed with horror. "She's no good. I would be happy if you had a child by this man Melodene. Ayla was an orphan from the age of five. Be sure that our leader will have something to say about this, but I'll leave that between you and him." Willamar was holding Melodene snugly now, telling her he was just being certain she wouldn't fall. He'd taken down an adult Elk with his spearthrower and had gutted and dressed it before lashing it to the poles. 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