"Now it seems that there are two Chimu. They had started out for a hunting lesson, only to find a much richer catch than animals for food. "This is a sign of almost perfect symmetry; the Mother speaks to me in this. Is it alright if we just go in?" Auel started the Earths Children series of six novels with The Clan of the Cave Bear, which appeared in 1980 and spawned a 1986 film adaptation. Here and there were little backwater places where the river widened and the flow became sluggish. Ayla looked around at the man whose eyes were again wide with fright. He's always there, working and planning. "I just hope you're right. That is what I also want. The Zelandonii were anxious to return to the Summer Meeting. The noise was loud and the sight was awe inspiring. Their campsite was close to the shore of New Lake and they could hear the lapping of the water as they undressed and dove into the furs to snuggle together for warmth. ", "Oh yes, those are the most popular stories of all. She would risk her life if necessary to get away from him. They had turned in early because they would be up by dawn the following day to prepare for their departure to the north. There was a general murmur of agreement. "The young man thanked the wood-cutter and walked on. "Remember back to your first Summer Meeting among the Zelandonii? That is, if her mother would allow her Acolyte to be away long enough to make the journey there and back and also time enough for a brief stay. Brukeval estimated in his head how many followers he still had. Ayla meditated on her losses: Creb and Iza, her horses Whinney and Racer then Jondalar's mother, Marthona, and now her loss of the First Zelandoni. "It is true that many things have changed, but the reason for the trial period has not. His plan was to get in front of them and then to yell and wave his spear in one hand and strips of hide in the other and then run toward the animals. Groog was a little amazed that he was telling this girl so much about himself, but for some strange reason it made him feel calmer to do so. Right then he heard voices. Jonayla was more mature than other young women her age, but that was little consolation. "I know," said the old man. Groog nervously signed, "There is only one 'Creb'. Jonayla, kneeling beside her mother's fever ravaged body cradled her head in the crook of her arm. Because of his skill in the field of knapping, his leather tunic was meticulously painted with stylized spears, cutting knives and axe blades. It had been proven to her over and over again that by cleaning wounds well, her mother had cured people others could not. Jonayla had been interpreting what was being said for the Mog-ur who stood to the back of the gathering beside Groog. Jonayla had to satisfy herself with the fact that her charge would probably never be a horse person, but at least they wouldn't have to drag him on a pole-drag all the way to the north. The three spent some time touring the complex of rooms and nooks. You have until morning.". Her tears could no longer be held back, but she smiled through them, and standing on her tiptoes she reached up and pulled his lips to hers, giving him a kiss as an expression of her feelings toward him. She also wanted to be alone with just her family on the return journey, so she fended off all suggestions that she lead the returning Zelandonii or that she arrive ahead of the others with only the leaders to take credit for their success. "Proleva," Ayla gestured toward the woman next to her who was drying herself after a swim, "is our leader's mate and she does for the Ninth Cave what your mother does for South Face. Madroman was limping and whining that he was tired and thirsty. Ayla began moving silently into the pine trees behind Crazy Eyes after she heard him reluctantly agree to come back in the morning to get them. He was convinced that this person was who she said she was. Then she stepped back and again spoke to him in sign, "Your people will have justice Groog, I promise you. Finally, sleepyhead has awakened! Finally he turned and made the universal hunter's sign with a raised arm for his men to follow him. He saw the lion attacking his father and ran to stop the attack but the lion just swatted him away." he responded playfully. "The Chimu were no different at first. She had been in failing health after Hochaman died ten summers ago. Madroman had been brought back to First Place as a prisoner by then. I lived in a valley all by myself and my only friends were my horse 'Whinney' and my cave lion 'Baby' and though I was grateful to have them for companionship, it is not the same as having other people dear to you. "I might be persuaded to tell a tale or two at the celebration, if asked.". There was a roar of approval. The sight of those two made her realize she was spoiling the day by thinking about the future, a future that might not happen. "We're nearly home.". Then they both turned toward a loud call, "Durg!" '', Ayla's story hasn't really changed significantly in the 30 years it took Auel to deliver it. when the spears hit him and she was covered with his blood. The two women walked to the corral and tied riding blankets onto their horses then cantered away from the gathering area. Jonayla was surprised by all of these statements of devotion from this man. "Willamar?" Melodene's shoulders shook as she quietly sobbed in distress. "What is it you wish to have and what is it that you wish to give?" For the first book she learnt how to build a snow cave by enrolling for an SAS-like survival course on the nearby Cascade Mountains. The forest is too thick to ride anyway and he doesn't like horses other than for eating. She could have stayed like this, standing naked, neck deep in the water and communing with Mother Earth for much longer. I'm going to be happy to have children around our dwelling again! [1] She received honorary degrees from her alma mater, Pacific University, Portland State University, the University of Maine and the Mount Vernon College for Women. "Armuna was a very accomplished hunter in her own right. You are a better healer than many who claim to be healers. He could be one of the Shaman's men for all we know. Then as the last stones were laid in a cairn, the people stood back and the female Mog-ur began to perform an eloquent lament in motions and signs that stirred the Clan man's soul. Two different kinds of humans. It was almost inconceivable that anyone could come out of a confrontation like that alive. After all, people do mature and I felt I owed it to the character to let her grow up, though I did try to remain faithful to her selfless attitude and honest personality. In anxious indecision, the southern Donier held out, trying to follow her leader's instructions. Their little campsite was idyllic, Ayla listened to Jonayla and Cambarre setting up the campfire stones and then, her eyes still closed, she heard the young couple leave to look for firewood. Ayla's face, stark white now with red painted lines and circles, was shocking to see. But all we have is his word for it. When she mentioned that her mother had known the Mog-ur named Creb, Groog sat up with a sudden alarmed expression on his face. He turned and walked back to the guest hearth and sat down, now watching the female Mog-ur closely. I've lived almost sixty summers now and I don't expect to go on forever, but I'll help you any way I can, especially through this," the Third offered. he signed. "But the magic bowl did not stop. "I've been thinking about the symbols that I painted on my face yesterday. "Our Shaman knew from ancient tales passed down to him that when the earth shook the people should climb into the hills. It was a surprise to Ayla that these people would have known about Creb. When the young people from the cave could no longer walk safely on the ice, everyone knew the cold weather was well and truly in retreat. "Hear me Mongar, leader and protector of your people. Hidden near the summit, facing away from the valley below, was a cave. The other women faded in his memory more and more each time he was honored to pleasure and be pleasured by this exquisite creature. He could hear the man grunt as he bent down to crawl into the lean-to and he tensed as he heard Jonayla's scream of defiance. Ayla understood that Joharran was having doubts, she wouldn't have believed it either until she ran in to the situation personally. She would have told about the death curse if the Mog-ur had directly asked her, she would not refuse to answer. To be honest I'm looking forward to the peace and quiet of a snowy winter's day back at the Ninth Cave. She shuddered at the thought of that period. Willamar laughed happily. It's like being hugged by The Great Earth Mother herself, and it seems as though everything else recedes, leaving only your thoughts.". "Neither of them had any real healing knowledge, so they did what they could by splinting his leg the best they knew how and making camp where they were. When she came on the women of the Ninth Cave she told them that she'd come from their lodge and the men were discussing hunting so she thought she would come down and join them. And since there are more caves in the north, the Summer Meetings would only be held in the south once every five summers, unless suitable areas in the south can be found that would allow more than that without depleting the natural resources required to sustain the people for the duration of a Summer Meeting. If you don't have a child, at least you'll have the pleasure of trying," she smiled mischievously. I know when he first came among us, he did do some amazing things. ", "Yes, there should be a wealth of material for me this winter. Because deep down inside I've never let go of the dream that you and I" Brukeval was choked with emotion as he continued, "That you and I would someday mate. Although in time he recovered. "How does Joplaya fare? Lamiae and I have been mated for almost twelve years now and we have two children, a boy and a girl, we named the girl Ayla after you. The men would take other people's possessions and even unmated women. Durcan sat mounted on Lightning's back as he looked north across the river. At first she hadn't understood what the images were telling her, but when she saw the same set of images in her mind's eye each day, she slowly began to understand what would happen, what must happen if she were to succeed to the position of First Zelandoni. Shura decided to try lighting a fire before talking to Brog, to see if she too could perform the miracle. It was finally decided that she would travel north in the summer, only by then she was too weak to make the journey. "Do you understand about our moon cycles now Groog?" Proleva asked. Some said those hot white fires twinkling in the night sky were new souls being forged in the abode of the yet unborn. There were many murmurs of protest when he was carried in on a pole stretcher. They continued for another hour, coming into an area with low hills, fewer trees and less brush. When the depth of the hole was one half the length of the marker, Ayla and Jonayla carried the post to the head of the grave and allowed Cambarre to place it in the hole while both women knelt down beside the post and forced small rocks in around the base to secure it. "I was meditating before the meeting to put my thoughts in order. The prohibition against newly mated couples talking to others would not apply to them from this point on until their mission for the First Zelandoni was finished. That third community turned out to be the beginning of our problems. Why would Jonayla leave her horse for so long? he wondered. Groog had found Jonayla and brought her back. In a strange place like this, any bond of friendship was welcome, even if it was just with two females; one a leader he was beginning to respect and another he could speak with on a personal level. "Ayla, Ayla, are you alright?" "You have heard the story going around about my Clan son. To hold them and turn them over to their hunters for punishment when all is done.". I would try to find more of it but need enough of it to compare with other fungus. Dula signed, "What have you done for this man up to now?" He waited while Ayla hesitated. Blandar's friends had returned the evening before with his burial clothes and his best hunting weapons had been retrieved from the site of his death and now lay beside him on the mat. "Proleva, greetings!" "I now ask all of the Zelandoni who are candidates to state their reasons for putting themselves forward as leader of the Zelandonia. It was so unexpected. Jonayla and Melodene grew large with child as the winter aged. She yelled at them to stab the men still rolling around on the ground. But this leader seemed different, even when she declared the Mother spoke through her, it didn't sound like bragging. "And that, believe it or not, is why the sea is salty.". The old man, realizing the Ninth's intent, also took the time to greet the boy as befitted the leader of the children helpers. She would have to face this Shaman and persevere. Blandar, you will be missed by all. Wolf! I'm really worried about mother and Jonayla now. There were carvings of spirit lans; some of the ancient's spirits were represented and some newer ones too, including, Ayla noted, that of her predecessor's lan. The Clan people would not feel fulfilled, they can't understand the concept. Wash away all the pain and suffering you've had to endure over the past two moons." He received a slight shove from behind and lurched forward, again unable to take his eyes off his mate-to-be. 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. While we're traveling I think I'll just have to hold him, if I let him down he might follow an interesting scent and not think to come back to me. Melodene blushed. The Red Moon phase was about to begin and everyone needed to pitch in to gather the bounty of summer in order to have as secure a winter as possible. That was not done. Surely, it was a sign of this woman's power. "You know, it's a good thing that you came to us when you did Zelandoni. Why don't you make that for me while I clean this little fellow's wounds? It's been almost two moon cycles since my last women's flow and over the past few days I've felt sick to my stomach in the mornings. "Brukeval! She had been - and was still - much like a mother to her siblings. Ayla thanked the leader for his kind words and changed the subject. The two Doniers stood by the stone pillar in conference, it was obvious to everyone else that they did not want to be disturbed and the work of setting up camp went on quietly around them. I will not meet some female of the Others pretending to be a Mog-ur. They made camp that night in the vicinity of Reflection Rock, less than half a day south of Old Valley. "'I have brought you a gift,' said the young man. When she was done she licked her fingers appreciatively and said, "That was good, I think I outdid myself, especially on the cooked grains. Most of the people went to work right away setting up their summer lodges and circles of stones for individual cooking fires. Chapter 2 She missed the intimacy and the quiet moments they shared together, lying in their furs talking quietly while stroking each other in a leisurely unhurried way. I should have talked about him years ago, but never quite knew how to introduce the subject. It was only a matter of time before they came in search of her. I think we should return to the Nineteenth Cave as soon as both wounds have been tended to and pole-carriers are made.". She had noticed how unique the other woman had looked when they first met, but since then she had been with Jondalar day and night and the other woman had left her undisturbed. Ayla noticing this and looked at him and smiled. This expression was the closest gesture people of the Clan had for "good-bye." Thinking these sad thoughts, she looked down at the bundle loaded on the pole-drag. Many of the women who hadn't been treated badly by their men weren't happy about this. She said this, hoping that her daughter would understand that she needed her help and that this wasn't just a casual request. He felt that if he could be half the man his father was that he would be considered a successful provider. "Cambarre. Ayla was happy too, she'd admired Marthona and Dalanar ever since first meeting them. Still, even now, no clear answer came to her, no matter how much she meditated on it. "Wonderful, we're all grateful to you. It was obvious that she was nursing. I've been thinking about this for a long time, but now I'm sure; I have to make the Zelandonia understand that we're all earth's children, our people and the Clan, no matter what they decide at this gathering, I won't rest until I make them understand.". Willamar was holding Melodene snugly now, telling her he was just being certain she wouldn't fall. The valley soon opened out in front of them for as far as the eye could see. Even though not born a Zelandonii, in her case the gifts of knowledge she shared with the Zelandoni were so significant that everyone, even those who would never voice it, agreed that she was a high status spiritual leader. As the sun rose above the horizon they had finished eating, and were on their way. Almost like giving up. She spoke to the world of the Spirits of the injustice that had taken place here. We may find ourselves at risk of running into some of the renegades. Ayla was sincere in this. "I hope there's still a way through. Cambarre, go get the others. The name was given to this moon phase because about half way through this moon is the time that Summer Meetings begin and the people gather from the region to share their stories, find mates and trade goods. 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. ''I said that we've all got a little Neanderthal in us 30 years ago.''. All he had seen and heard made him believe her. Iza had always said that a wound such as this needed to remain open so the poisons inside could escape, so that was what she was doing. Although her mother had always said that children who were of mixed essence were still children, many didn't feel that way. The First Zelandoni eased her to the grass then pulling a wooden cup from her pouch she dipped it in the clear water from the stream and returned to sit cross-legged beside the southerner. Mageb saw the familiar medicine bag and knew it was real, but he wasn't sure the Others' medicine would work on his people. Ayla and her family were up and ready to depart the next morning at first light. Jondalar made the signs asking the man to continue. Creb had been left with a crippled arm and leg because of an attack by a cave bear when he was a child. ", The Donier of the Third Cave turned to Ayla, "I just hope we don't have too many candidates from the southern caves. The artist couldn't help but be flattered and honored that the First Zelandoni had been so passionate about his work. We've had fun, haven't we? Soon she was plying the First Zelandoni with her herbal medicines, using her prodigious knowledge of the healing arts. "No, it has magic. But she wouldn't know what it was like to be a leader with the responsibility of caring for others. Ayla looked around her quickly and realized that if she tried to dive for cover she would make an easy target for the man. 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