"STOP!" Bringing up the rear was Willamar with Melodene seated in front of him. Jonayla turned to look at her friend and saw tears in her eyes. It was fully dark now and Cambarre had silently crawled toward the lean-to from the edge of the forest where he'd positioned himself in preparation for his rescue attempt. Even in just the filtered moonlight it was obvious that she was covered in blood, from her shoulders to her thighs. 'The Snake Bowl is not for trade. After some time the noises died down and they could hear the heavily armored animal breaking through the trees and moving away further south. Look! Did you need me for something mother?" 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. "Only once, just after the Mother spoke and the earth shook. Lately I seem to forget that I'm hungry until I smell food cooking," Ayla said, grateful for the food. The moon was high above now and shining full. But she didn't want to risk a baby by a man who was not her mate. Ayla knew deep down that she had tried everything that she'd learned in a lifetime of caring for others. Although to the people around him he gave the impression of impervious stoicism, in reality he could feel their stares and their apprehension. It's obvious when you tell it, that they aren't animals. "It would also apply to gathering grains and plants in the south. "And besides Willamar wasn't keen about all the jokes he'd have to put up with from the younger men. 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. 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. After all, they were making the correct signs, just not using the male/female postures. One of the Acolytes behind the Donier from the south sniggered at this remark, believing that the blonde Zelandoni had dealt herself a damaging blow by asking for support after having been so dismissive the day before. Are there any young men that you have interest in?" There are so many story lines left unfinished. "Then I can take Star away with me?" 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 should try to use one, it would help their people if they knew how. Finally it was decided that the other two Zelandoni would be responsible for the telling of events that happened in the north and they would all travel back in one group. What I wish is that Wolf was still among us in more than just spirit. It was the same thing as her mother's realization about how babies were made - between a man and a woman - by simple observation and by understanding what you were observing. "Jonayla," Cambarre stepped up beside his mate. She was sixteen, but now his people no longer performed opening ceremonies for young women of the community and he thought that maybe, from what she'd just said, she was probably still unopened. the boy virtually wriggled with excitement and admiration, so much so that his father felt momentary jealousy at his son's obvious hero worship. Yes, he had four strong followers who would do as he commanded, so why not. It was Mageb, stepping from the forest. He managed to make himself understood and walked quickly past the Clan leader - who was still staring at Star in total astonishment. "Since this will be our last meeting of the season with all of the Zelandonia in attendance, I want to clear some things up before we leave for our home caves.". He would wait for her to speak, to see what was on her mind, but if he were honest with himself - he glanced her way and took in her erect body and shapely leg - he was very interested and would pass up a rendezvous with Marilla for the chance to share pleasures with Jonayla. There was no trickery or lies perpetrated on one another like Madroman and Brukeval were doing. It is funny to see grown men and women stop what they're doing to pay attention to us. Ayla opened her eyes. He could not see a spearthrower, a knife or any other weapon. ", "The First Zelandoni and Tormaden have asked me to request that you come to them quickly. And you will come on foot. Even though some of us ride horses now and can't believe we didn't think to do it before, she is the one who brought that knowledge to our people. "Can you really believe that?" When the rest of the Cave members returned, bringing all the hides, equipment and utensils with them, they too would join in the final hunting and gathering tasks. I think Melodene experienced a hard life before and after her mate's death, and Willamar shows her respect and loving care." "Of course. No one said anything. Both Ayla and Jonayla were eager to taste the dish for the first time that season. If you want to give him to the southern Zelandoni, then I agree, the sooner, the better.". I don't think this Shaman is very far away and I want to find out what I can through observation before we confront him. He had crossed paths with the killers and had been captured by them. "When we first arrived back here, all she wanted was to be my mate and to have children like any other Zelandonii woman. "I suggest that we agree to hold future Summer Meetings no farther north than the Twenty-Ninth Cave and no further south than the First Cave of the southern Zelandonii. "Ralev, don't worry, I harbor no ill will toward your father. Does he fare well?". She dismounted and walked to the river's bank. These people who you call "animals" would never consider killing out of revenge. I can't imagine what it will look like after a few more seasons, assuming he survives on the small amount of food he eats. He had been kneeling over the many spearheads and knife blades he'd produced during the long cold winter to trade during the summer for things he knew they would need. Ayla knew they would not be overheard from this distance. If possible, walk sideways toward it. I sometimes miss traveling with just family and I always like seeing old friends and other places," Ayla said sincerely. In the Clan way, she would say no more, but nodded her gratitude and stepped out of the woods and began to walk down the trail, while her companions melted into the forest on either side. This ceremony would just be a confirmation of their relationships. His eyes were as strange as they had been the last time she'd seen him back at Hilltop Holding. My only question is, will everyone agree with it? What was she worrying about? Cambarre came over to Jonayla who had been loading the horses' carry bags and asked, "So what do I do with this sharpened log?" She had no idea how accomplished the man was as a hunter and tracker so gave him the respect that she would show someone as skilled at tracking as herself. It would have been better if he'd had someone else other than Madroman to play the part of Shaman, he thought. The Fifth continued, "The story tellers spoke to the people of 'Ayla and Jondalar,' their travels and adventures and the good they achieved before they came to us. 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 would be an overnight journey if everything went as planned. In fact I was hoping we could stay at the Ninth Cave. Right now, the problem is mainly at the border of Zelandonii lands, but the violence has begun to spread. His obvious Clan features bespoke the mixture between the two races. "It is Wolf, or at least it is the best representation of Wolf that my memory could produce. "If somehow I could have just fit in as Jondalar's mate I would have been happy. That very well could have been the reason Groog was able to consider the possibility that a female could be a spiritual leader after initially rejecting her claim out of hand. He was thinking ahead and smiling. But one Insight will still be missing. "Greetings First Zelandoni." Ayla yelled over her shoulder, "Someone please start a fire! Just remember that who you chose as your leader will be making the decisions for us all. travels throughout. It was always wise not to underestimate your quarry. She could see the ones with open minds and could guess who's were less open. That is when the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworms appear, heralding the return of the smaller birds. Oh well, he thought, another strange thing that he would have to ponder. That dirty beast had always given him the evil eye. "But I want to make you understand that these men who follow Skytalker aren't what the Chimu are really like. "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. At first Ayla hadn't been sure that leaving him behind was such a good idea. "No, I was just hunting up river," Cambarre answered. I wouldn't wish Brukeval and Madroman on them. They had taken revenge on men who had caused them no harm and that was also against the Mother's way. Maybe that was why she was so special and had so many talents for just one person. But I guess it's been a busy few days, hasn't it. Then it suddenly occurred to her that he was testing her. But now that man's attraction had turned into hate. Chapter 1 Cambarre first heard, then saw Jonayla on her trotting horse. "Tormaden, where is the Zelandoni of the White Cave? "And just as the Zelandoni of the Third Cave mentioned, I also respect her leadership abilities. "They are only stones. 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. Pleasure filled her being. "I guess we're not going swimming," Folrian said. If you would make the other Zelandoni aware of the meeting upon your return, I would appreciate it. Where were the voices coming from? There was a river in the valley and lots of game. "Tie it to your carry basket like my mother did when she was given one. If I hadn't had the Clan spear in my hands when the cave lion attacked, it is unlikely that any of us would have survived. None of the women he associated with would have been so honest about their intent. Peel off the top layer of hair, it's matted and will peel away. We're located in the town of Julian, California, just outside of San Diego. Jonayla was used to seeing her mother wash in a stream no matter how cold it might be, and many times they would bathe together. "Walk him away from the corral. She would ask him what he knew about Zelandoni's daughter. They had lived in peace until recently. There were fourteen of them, including the Chimu woman and Groog. "Can we find a stream or pond first? What had she just said? What would life be like if she lost him? Either the Mother would speak for her or remain silent and have her step aside. By the end of the first day of travel the people of the Ninth Cave had been joined by those of the Third Cave. The story takes us on the last part of their journey of learning and loving. Since Jonayla seemed alright just wearing a loincloth Cambarre decided to wear only a loincloth too. It is a simple meal, as the Zelandoni from the south instructed. "As the Earth Mother rode into their midst all the people cringed. He is just being a wolf. It is the color that overcomes life as it ages. It was real easy to tranport our minds into all six books. "Stop that! ", Ayla noticed that the Third used the term Clan, rather than the more derogatory "flathead" when describing the people in the north. Jonayla pushed aside the hide drape and stepped into the main room of her family's dwelling. ", Jondalar stopped walking and, still holding Ayla's hand, pulled her around to face him. What with Durcan's contribution, both women's vegetable finds, and Willamar and Melodene's blueberries, they feasted to their heart's content that night. "They were many days to the south of their lodge and in acknowledged Clan country. As their children hunted, Ayla and Jondalar found a level area beside a small brook that meandered back toward the river. We would like to hold a feast in your honor," Tormaden said, gripping her hands enthusiastically. Out of necessity Ayla had developed the dried mud projectile that she had used to bring down the two men. I haven't taken anything to stop myself from making a child since we traveled north. You're looking for a willing girl to give you pleasure at your convenience and I'm looking for a man who I can respect and love as a mate and to be the father of my children. He's unconscious and he is hurt. Please try again later. I think it will work for this man." ", "Yes, but the loss of Wolf will be a real blow to her. "Where are Willamar and Durc?" 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. I think being mated to Ayla makes me a better man than I would have been otherwise.". Wild rice was cooking in a travel bowl at the edge of the fire. "He was put in a storage pit so he couldn't escape," Tormaden said, becoming a little uncomfortable under the First Zelandoni's hardening gaze. We all want this trouble to be over with and if we work together it will accomplish two things. [11], By 1990, Auel's first three books in her Earth's Children series had sold more than 20 million copies worldwide and been translated into 18 languages; Crown Publishers paid Auel about $25 million for the rights to publish The Plains of Passage and the two subsequent volumes. They arrived at the Zelandonia gathering place on the morning of the fourth day to an almost deserted campsite. It was obvious that he was worried that he might be followed. Then she urged Summer Child toward the trailhead and home, with Jondalar right behind her. Hidden near the summit, facing away from the valley below, was a cave. "My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The hair on the back of Mongar's neck stood on end and he experienced an unreasonable fear, one that he couldn't put a name to. Jonayla doused the fire and Willamar made a place for Melodene to sleep beside him using extra furs taken from Jonayla's trade goods, and the family, plus one, settled down to sleep. "Is Jonayla alright?" I would very much like to hear about everyone at Lion Camp. The other Donier's saw the interaction between the Donier and the southern Acolyte and wondered at it. People know you and father, so the stories mean more to them than just legends and stories about people they don't know. Joharran gestured to the ivory plaque that hung from her neck. "My daughter and I cremated Wolf's body as we do with a First Zelandoni. "I'm grateful daughter; we didn't need any interruption this afternoon. "It is a thing I discovered by accident. Each day she had spent from late afternoon to dusk in her dream state and now believed she understood what must be done. ", Groog was stunned. "What have you done? What was even more surprising, were the cave openings. She immediately headed back out to the outside hearth to get the hot water. But Brukeval only knew rejection, except the few times he was in the care of your mother. Remove him from this pit, he needs to be treated." Doni, The Great Earth Mother, She who's mate and lover is Lumi, who shines down upon us this night in witness with Her. "In one of the villages along the edge of the sea there lived two fishermen brothers. All of the children loved the story telling and Durcan was no exception. She has traveled to various parts of Europe right from France till Ukraine in relation to her research work. This moment struck a chord deep within her, a memory of a time long ago when she had been a little girl and Creb and Iza had first pronounced the name. "'Trade me your bowl!' "Once there was an evil witch who cast her spell over a whole people. Now this woman was experiencing those same feelings, except she was in no doubt that her mate was dead. Performing this action will revert the following features to their default settings: Hooray! Ayla looked up at her friend. The people of the Clan will not hurt you so long as you don't try to escape. Her father had always been a little larger than life to Jonayla. That is no excuse for my mistake, but the mistake saved his life. Both women felt that Wolf belonged to the Zelandonia and that he was specially loved by The Great Earth Mother, therefore the special ceremony seemed appropriate and right to them. Jonayla followed with a pole-drag that held the still unconscious boy, Robinar. And even though they were being chased by bad men, she felt almost joyous to be here with Cambarre at this moment. "With each wave, the water came less inland than before, but by the time it was done, there was nothing left for as far as the eye could see north and south along the shore. "Zelandoni!" This is a very good sign for everyone," she concluded, her voice quivering in awe at what she'd just seen. They use fire to cook their food and for warmth, there are no animals that do that, only humans use fire. In fact, have you thought about where you will winter this year? Many of her readers say they have reread the series over and over again in order to re-live the Ayla experience. I haven't let him run free before, he might not be old enough to show you what you want to see." I have had enough, it is done!' I just hope he will recover soon so I can seek justice," Ayla said this with fire and determination in her voice. Ayla wasn't too disappointed with the outcome of the meeting. "You can count on me for as long as I'm able. "Oh. It was almost second nature to her to blend into the landscape. The Clan Mog-ur had been told about the female spiritual leader's wounded mate. "Thank you!" Without another word, Ayla resumed her position in front of her Acolyte. Rubio stared back wide-eyed as Jondalar thanked him. "First Zelandoni, have you had anything to eat this morning?" Ayla was beginning to feel light headed and a sheen of sweat had broken out on her forehead. Jonayla watched as her mother washed coltsfoot, nettles and pigweed and stuffed the bird's cavities with them, sprinkling in some herbs from her medicine bag, then nestling the fresh young eggs in the center of each cavity. All of the cave leaders and their Zelandonia were requested to attend. And further, I will support her vocally with the others. Everyone noted the absolute assurance in the Ninth's manner and voice, and at the very least, the Zelandoni of Ninth Cave believed what she had said. A female voice calling his name and his totem. Ayla was delighted, "Isn't this just lovely Jondalar? It was their duty; necessary for survival and no thanks were expected or received. He smiled mischievously. As Ayla urged Summer Child to enter the trees at the edge of the clearing she noticed the Clan spear lying on the ground where the temporary shelter had been and quickly dismounted and walked over to pick it up. Hearts began to beat fast when the six of them saw ten men step out from behind trees. 17: Carrots, Eggs and Tea Leaves. After a while his mind began to wander. This Mog-ur was a friend of the Clan and he would trust her, but he wasn't sure what to think about her people. Then she looked around at the people staring at them and then at those following. You will bring your Shaman here. You don't know how much work it is to train wolf pups. "I also have one other thing to add," he said, looking around at the gathering. They concentrated on living and honoring their ancestors and Ursus and they didn't insert themselves into other people's business. It didn't matter that Brukeval's men knew it was just a disguise because they had seen other things like the fire stone and seen the cursing and death of their old Shaman and believed that their Shaman was powerful and the disguise was just part of the ceremony. That's when he should have cut his losses and traveled east. It was a very domestic scene and it surprised Ayla at first. She wondered when that had started. I have something more I must give you before you leave." This isn't your land, you have no reason or right to interfere here," Brukeval sneered. "I would trade you fire stones for the knowledge of this fungus. She felt that taking young horses was not the best way to build a herd; that letting nature take its course and birthing young in the corrals would be much easier than catching a herd in a surround and taking the offspring from their mares. I know what a trained Mog-ur of the Clan can do with it. The contents lay in the wrapping were grayish lumps of fungus. She continues to excel and her new series is very popular. She could ride better than anyone else his age and her skill as a hunter eclipsed almost anyone twice her age. "No mother," Jonayla said, not really interested in a story about food. If Jondalar hadn't stopped them from beating you there would have been immediate conflict between them and us. 5. [9][10], In October 2008, Auel was named an Officer of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture and Communication. "Tell me about your First Zelandoni. The chamber ceiling disappeared into the darkness so far above them that it appeared to have no limit, almost as if The Great Earth Mother might be gazing down upon the proceedings. She then wrapped it around his waist, looping it up under the rope collar she had just made to better hold the furry little animal. Did your journey go well? A herd of Bison were spotted northwest of here and a group of hunters went off to investigate." The same would apply to the Chimu if we agree to offer them entry in to the Zelandonii community. We hunt, we use weapons, we build things and we talk to Ursus, the same as men do. ", "I can see that your Groog is of mixed spirits. When the firestone and flint were struck together they formed a long lasting spark. You don't need my signs to do what is right for your people. Home again. he wondered. Someone needs to make him understand what we need from them. What if they tried to destroy his hunters with a curse? We didn't get much sleep last night.". 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