All Characters are owned by Jean M Auel. This is my first story so it will likely be awful.
Chapter 1: A Break In Trust
As Zelandoni left, Ayla thought about how she was going to tell him she was a Donier – One Who Serves The Mother. Suddenly fear of what might happen took over her. She leapt upon Whinney; keeping a tight hold on her daughter she pushed Whinney into a sudden gallop.
Most people had seen Zelandoni go in and come out of the horse hearth. Then with a flying rush they saw Ayla on Whinney come pelting out with Grey and Racer trailing them. All they knew was that Zelandoni must have upset or given Ayla something to think about. They all had a good guess at what.
On and on Ayla pushed Whinney. The last time Ayla had done this was when Ranec and Jondalar upset her on the day of the demonstration, but now she kept going. The wind ruffled her long blond locks. The rush almost pulled her off. Everything going by as a blur nothing was clear. As Ayla's thoughts steadied so did Whinney, but as much as she tried the thoughts came and she detested them. Would Jondalar leave her? Would he stop loving her? How would he react? Would he take Jonayla away from me? I am so silly he would never do that…………Or would he?
Too many questions and not enough answers! As the wind picked up pressing Whinney's walk faster, Jonayla started to cry and Ayla soothed her. For some reason only the mother would know the earth danced and shook. Startled and panicky Whinney bounded into gallop. Mane whipping Ayla's face as she gamely hang on. Ayla's grip around Jonayla could have smashed volcanoes. Trees collapsing all around them. The gallop told them Whinney was struggling. Thunder came ahead while the dancing of the earths came to a stop and lighting struck setting fire to all in its path. Whinney tired stopped to sooth her wily foals.
Ayla got down to comfort the horses, when the dancing came again. Grey and Racer flew ahead but Whinney stayed this time. Her love in this woman to strong. Whinney trusted her. Looking around Ayla saw they were in an alcove of flaming trees. The fire was warm but deadly today. With tremendous amounts of energy the earth continued to shake, now Ayla was petrified. Thunder echoed those last minuits as the three scampered towards the only exit. Just as they were about to past a flaming tree fell in their way. They were surrounded. There was no choice. Ayla mounted Whinney making sure Jonayla was safe she gave one signal. This signal Whinney obeyed. She trusted the woman. Her feet pounding the earth louder than thunder. Her effort greater than anything alive. Her trust too much to see reality. Just as she met the fire she leapt up high in the air. But it was not to be. She was not tall enough. As the flames danced high she fell short. Pain shot through her back legs. A burning sensation. A destruction on trust. Ayla fell from the awful landing in time to see her beloved horse suffer. Then Blackness.
Chapter 2: Looking And SeeingA small few quakes had hit the cave but nothing was ruined. Everyone was calm except Jondalar. He had seen Ayla go off riding. He knew she hated quakes. As he paced the entrance he looked up to hoof beats. Only Grey and Racer? Hollering to Joharran he pelted to the far off horses. He knew something had happened. Whistling for Wolf he mounted the stallion.
"Joharran I need to find Ayla, are you coming?" held out his hand.
"I am not likely to let you go alone now, am I?" Taking Jondalar's hand he leapt upon Racers back behind his little brother. After calling Wolf to heel he nudged the trusting stallion into a charge to where, well they were about to find out. Whence in gallop he dropped all signals. The young stallion was startled then remembered his mother and flew across the vast fields to the forest where his mum was in trouble.
Before they got to the alcove they saw the fire. 'No' Jondalar thought. Joharran thought quickly,
"We need to stop the fire!" He yelled over the cackling and crackling of the furiously burning flames dancing high with stealth-ness.
"So go back on Racer." Was his only comment before the ever-loyal Wolf caught sent of his beloved mistress and pelted off. After his brother was out of site still skirting the alcove he turned and Racer gave it his all and went home again.
Wolf led Jondalar to the far opening or the alcove. They waded across the small river to get to the entrance when Jondalar heard a weak cry in the distance. Wolf knew it was his best friend Jonayla and scampered off. Thankfully the fire had turned tail. Ducking, jumping, and runnig till they saw a super sorry sight.
