They crested the small hill and Latie took one last look back at the small cave that had been their home for the long winter. She was almost sad to be leaving but the relief she felt at finally being on their way tempered the melancholy thoughts. It had been a long slow winter but they had managed to keep themselves busy with crafts and projects, the bulk of which was now packed on the backs of the four horses. She looked over to Darvalo and smiled. It had taken a few extra weeks of their precious traveling time, once spring had hit full force, to fully train the two new horses to carry bundles and then people but they had managed. It had been remarkably easy and now they had two new friends to loan their strength whenever they needed it.
She looked around, wondering where that pesky lion was. She grinned thinking about where he would be about now. Baby had taken off at the first hint of warm weather, even before the snows had fully melted. Latie had noticed him pacing the cave and knew his urge to roam would soon take over. With the first warm breezes floating through the cave, he had jumped up from his place at the back of the small cave and loped to the mouth. Sticking his nose in the air, he took a few deep breaths and almost sprinted out of the cave in his excitement to be free of the confining enclosure. The three humans watching him laughed at his antics, all of them knowing it would be a while before they saw him again. He had stayed gone almost until the day they had been ready to leave, then he had suddenly appeared back at the cave, tiredly moving to the back and collapsing in his spot to get some much needed sleep before they started traveling again. Latie shook her head in awe at his incredible sense of timing. It's almost like he knew what they were going to do before they did.
He had paced excitedly around all of last evening and this morning as they packed. He knew something big was happening. When they loaded the horses up with their various bundles and packs this morning and led them out of the cave, he had sprinted ahead with glee and was now nowhere in sight. She shook her head, a small smile still playing on her features. She knew he would show up eventually, but now he needed to roam. She felt a tug on the lead ropes Lightning wore and her attention was drawn forward once again. Durc questioned her with his expressive brown eyes and she nodded, indicating she was ready to go. They started forward and left the small cave behind.
It took no time for them to settle back into their traveling life. The warm spring days refreshed and invigorated the small group and they greeted each day with excitement and renewed hope. Durc figured they were well over half way and the closer they got the more hurried he became. His excitement to finally reach his long lost mother only increased with every passing day, as he felt the warm glow of their connection grow stronger in his breast. His happiness was infectious and soon the other two members of his tiny family were bringing smiles and laughter to their daily travel. The journey was a new adventure all over again and the weariness of endless days of travel had yet to set in.
Durc pulled up on the reins of his horse, bringing Midnight to a sudden halt at the top of the small hill. The ever present Mother off to the left, her girth now diminished slightly without the tumultuous waters of the Sister, wound her way ahead of them, her banks burgeoning with the spring rains and melt water from the mountains surrounding them. He could see a large corps of trees near her banks that offered shelter from the sun and a soft covering of new grass to rest upon. He waved the others forward and headed Midnight in that direction.
"Why don't we make camp here for the night?" Latie said, as she dismounted. She led the horse over to a tree and looped her lead ropes over a low branch.. Turning to her mate, she saw him quietly contemplating her request. He finally nodded slowly.
"Yes, alright, we won't lose too much time if we stop early just this once." Durc agreed, letting her know, gently, that this could not become a habit. She nodded and turned to unload Lightning with a bright smile.
"So, how much farther do you think until we reach this glacier that Talut told you about?" Darvalo asked, also unloading his horse.
"Well, I'm hoping, if we keep making good time, that we will reach it around early summer. It's hard to tell how fast a whole group of people can travel together or if everyone will have a horse to help speed the way," he answered, losing himself in the workings of his own thoughts for a moment. Latie and Darvalo cast confused glances at each other then at Durc.
"What "group" of people? It's just the three of us and the animals Durc and you know how fast we can travel." Darvalo asked him. Durc shook himself from his thoughts and looked at him, his eyes blank until Darvalo's words finally sunk in.
He nodded slightly, "Yes for now, but it won't be that way for long," he answered cryptically.
Latie walked over to him, a worried frown on her face. Sitting down beside him, she gazed into his deep brown eyes. "What do you mean Durc. Is something going to happen?" Her joy in the beautiful day was slowly being replaced by worry for their future.
He returned her gaze, but his thoughts seemed distant. The concern on his mate's face finally registered and he felt a flush of guilt for causing the fear he saw in her eyes."No! No, nothing like that. I have been having dreams though. I know we will pick up more people as we travel," he said, trying to alleviate her fears.
"How do you know?" Darvalo asked.
"Who are these people?" Latie asked, at the same time, both looking at him in wonder.
"I don't know who they are or when we will meet them but the Mother showed me in my dreams that we will not finish this journey alone. We will have quite a collection of people traveling with us by the time we reach the glacier." He looked from on to the another and back again.
"Well," Darvalo laughed, "that answers my next question."
"What was that?" Durc asked him, his brows raised.
"Well, I was wondering if we were going to cross the glacier or go around, but there is no way a large group could cross all at once, so I guess we go around. Now the only question is do we take the northern route or go south?" he asked.
Durc's brows furrowed in concentration. "Well, I was told that the northern route is safer, but it would take a lot of our time to go all the way around. The southern route would be much faster, especially with the horses but also much more dangerous. I know that the Clan make their home there but I have no fear of them. Their customs might be a little different that the ones I grew up with but I am still part of their people. We should not have any trouble with that. Anyway, the animals themselves would scare them enough that I don't think they would dare to confront us," he answered him and both Darvalo and Latie nodded.
"I agree, I don't think we would have much trouble with them but going that route will put us directly between two glaciers, won't the land be frozen? Do you think we could travel through fast enough that it would not harm the horses or Baby?" Darvalo asked, his face showing concern for their animal friends.
"Two glaciers?" Durc asked, his attention suddenly focused on the young man.
"Yes, when Jondalar lived with the Sharamudoi, he told me that directly south of the glacier he crossed was a mountain range covered with another of the great sheets of ice," he told them, his eyes squeezed shut as he tried to remember the information he had learned so long ago. "If I remember right, he told us it's not much more that a few days travel from one glacier to the other and that it was colder between the two glaciers that it was on top of the one he had crossed. He said that was why none of our people lived there and the Clan did. I guess they can handle the cold weather better that we can," he finished, looking back to Durc.
Durc jumped up, pacing with sudden indecision. He really didn't want to take the time to go all the way around to the north but he couldn't put his family or his animals at risk, not to mention the others that would be traveling with them by then. He knew in his heart, that if he took the longer route, they might arrive too late but how could he risk his friend, or his mate? Suddenly, he wished desperately that he could hand over the decisions to someone else but he knew in his heart that he couldn't.
"Durc.." Latie called softly. She watched him stopped pacing and focus on her. She could see the agonizing decision he was trying to make and understood his fears. "Durc, I don't see why we can't go the shorter route. The animals are all used to living on the steppes, they are born prepared for that kind of cold and well, traveling with them, it shouldn't take us too long to pass through the area you're worried about. I think as long as we are well prepared before we go, that we should be alright. Besides, if your dreams are correct, we won't have the time to go all the way around." Latie told him, trying to help ease the uncharacteristic worry she had seen in his troubled gaze. She watched as he thought about what she said, and slowly the worry lines faded from his forehead.
He let out a sigh and pulled her to him in a tight embrace. "You're right, thank you. I don't know what I would do without you. Of course the animals can handle it, I was just worried about you and how long it would take... but, if we plan well, we should be able to make it," he said, relief flooding his features. He glanced over to Darvalo, who had sat silently listening to them talk.
He returned his gaze with a embarrassed grin. "I'm sorry Durc, I didn't mean to cause you to worry. I was just trying to think of all the possible options," he said, feeling bad that he had cause such a panic with his unthinking words.
"No, don't apologize, you were right to bring up your concerns. You have valuable information and we can use it to make sure we are prepared for the part of the journey where we will be traveling in unknown territory. I just panicked for a moment but Latie is right, we can make sure we are ready now that we know a little about what to expect," he answered him, letting him know he appreciated his insights.
Darvalo gazed at this young man for a moment. He had to remind himself continually that Durc was only ten summers old. Not much more than a child among his people. It was amazing how well he bore the responsibility of a leader. He had a mate to provide for, a journey to finish and a destiny to fulfill. Very few times had he ever not been able to take any problem in stride. Darvalo tried to imagine how he would have handled Durc's amount of responsibility at the age of ten and knew that he could never have done it. His respect for this man grew everyday. He shook himself slightly and watched the tender interaction between his friend and his mate. He felt a small, sharp needle of envy shoot through him, then disappear. He hoped that one day he could find what they had.
They spent the rest of the early evening relaxing and enjoying the beautiful day. They all knew to enjoy it while they could because there would not be many stops like this one. The swam in a calm, shallow section of the river; leisurely bathing and playing in the cool water. Afterward, Latie prepared a delicious meal with lots of fresh spring greens, giving it the perfect seasoning of ripening sunshine. They ate and talked, sitting in the cool shade of the trees. By nightfall they were all perfectly content to relax in their furs by the fire, luxuriating in the feel of doing nothing.
Latie and Durc lay awake, snuggled up together. Latie rested her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. She sighed in contentment and felt his well-muscled arm squeeze her a little tighter. Her fingers played with the thickening hair on his chest and she felt a shiver run through him. He had become eerily quiet, just laying there listening to the night. Wondering at his thoughts, she turned her face up to his. She watched the flickering flames of the fire create shadows that danced across his bold features and lent a golden glow to his deep brown eyes. He caught her gaze and lifted his head to place a tender kiss against her soft lips. She smiled softly at him."What are you thinking about?" she asked quietly.
His gaze returned to the bright stars he could see flickering through the tree branches above him. He sighed, "Nothing really..." he answered, not really sure how to share his thoughts with her.
"Durc..." she said, and he could hear the concern in just that one word.
"It's just... sometimes... I get scared. I mean, what if I make a mistake? What if I make the wrong decision and get us all killed? This afternoon really got me thinking. I panicked Latie, if it hadn't been for you, I don't know what I would have done. It was a simple judgment call and I couldn't do it. I'm not sure the Mother has chosen the right person for this grand destiny everyone keeps telling me is mine. I have the body of a man but in the eyes of your people I'm not much more than a child, even my mate is older that I am," he said, giving into the fears he had held deep in his heart. It was hard for him to admit to such doubts about his own capabilities. He held his breath, waiting for his mate's response.
Latie sat up and looked down at him, her expression filled with amazement at his words. "Durc, you are one of the smartest, most capable men I have ever met. Yes, you are young by the standards of my people, even by the standards of the Clan you had just barely reached adulthood and early at that. But Durc, both my people and yours recognized the qualities that made you a natural born leader. Your unique background with both cultures has given you wisdom and insights that most men twice your age have never achieved. You are the perfect person for this destiny, even I can see that the Mother chose wisely. Yes you are young, but Durc you are definitely a man. It's natural to have doubts, to be afraid to make the wrong choices and to care. It is this quality, along with all the rest that makes you so perfect. If you were arrogant enough to assume that you would always do the right thing and not take other people's opinions into account, you would not be the leader that you are. The Mother has placed a great burden in your hands, it is only natural that sometimes you stumble under the weight of it," she said, her voice filled with love and heartfelt conviction.
She knew he could do this, he just had to know it too. She never knew he felt this way before, but guessed that it had been there all along and he had just never let her see it. He was just laying there, staring at her, his dark eyes unfathomable. Suddenly he sat up and grabbed her, pulling her into a crushing embrace.
He held her tightly, almost as if he were afraid to let her go. Finally he released her enough to pull back and look at her beautiful features. He stared for a moment then took her lips in an achingly tender kiss. His hands slid up her back to nestle in her thick hair, holding her head to allow his mouth better access to the sweet, hot cavern between her lips. She felt his tongue trace her lower lip, begging to be allowed inside and she opened to him. Her silent invitation sent shivers up his spine and he deepened the kiss immediately, holding her head still for the onslaught of his mouth. He let his tongue slide deeper and felt hers reach to dance with his, her breaths now coming in slight pants.
He groaned aloud and she slid her hands down his chest to his rippled abdomen, tracing her fingers lightly along the path of soft dark hair that led even lower. He lifted his head for a moment, running a thumb lightly over the swollen lips he had just ravaged. He saw the look in her passion glazed eyes and returned it with a heated one of his own. Taking her with him, he laid back down in the furs, rolling her under him in one swift move. He captured her lips again, his hands moving lower on her body until they felt the edge of her long tunic. He slid them underneath, tracing a path back up until his hands encountered the silky soft skin of her waist. Rubbing his thumbs in light circles over the sensitive skin, he felt her shiver in response.
He pulled the tunic up with them as he reached his hands higher and felt for the soft mounds of her breasts. He kneaded them slightly, finding the taunt peaks and capturing them between his fingers, rolling them with gentle pressure until she moaned into his mouth. He felt his body shaking with desire, but he held himself in check while he brought pleasure to his mate.
Lifting her slightly, he pulled the tunic over her head and laid her back down in the furs. He stared for a moment, letting his heated gaze take in the sight of her naked, perfect breasts, but they were more than he could resist. He lowered his head slowly until he could feel the heat of her skin on his cheek. He inhaled deeply reveling in the intoxicating scent of her skin. She felt his warm, moist breath tantalizingly close to the stiff peaks that were crying out for his attention and moaned, arching her back until her turgid nipple lay against his lips. She felt his mouth open and warm moist heat enclose her, his tongue flicking lightly as his teeth barely grazed the surface. She felt lightning sizzle through her from his mouth to some unknown connected spot deep inside her. Her body tightened at the inexplicable pleasure his mouth was bringing her, still desperate for fulfillment. He felt her need and answered it. Laving her breast once more with his tongue, he pulled her into his mouth and sucked hard, feeling the shudder that ripped though her to her core.
He switched to the other breast treating it to the same tantalizing ministrations until she was again quivering with excitement and again answering her need with a deep pull. He listened to her breathing coming in quick pants as he lowered himself on her body, leaving a wet trail of hot, open-mouthed kisses. Reaching her navel, he let his tongue trace the pattern of the delicate swirl for a moment then moved lower until he reached the edges of her leggings. He traced the edge of the leather lightly with his fingers, feeling her skin break out in goose bumps in anticipation. Still keeping his roaring desire in check, he took his time in removing them. Finally slipping them past her feet, he let his hands move up her legs to the silky insides of her thighs. As his hands moved higher he felt her spread her legs, allowing him full access to her glistening womanhood.
He caught his breath at the evidence of her desire, pooling in her warm folds. He raked his gaze over her face once more and saw her eyes squeezed tightly shut in anticipation. He lowered his head slowly, breathing in her special scent. Holding her open with his hands, he took these nether lips with his own as he would her mouth, running his tongue lightly along her soft folds, before sliding between them into her deep cavern of honeyed sweetness. He felt her back arch as he tasted her and moved his hands up to her hips to hold her in place. He explored each and every fold; taking the sweet nectar for his own, circling slowly around her center, touching everywhere except for the small nub of flesh that he knew was her greatest source of pleasure. He continued this torture until he could hear her rasping breath calling his name, begging for the final touch that would send her soaring.
He moved his hand and inserted two fingers, automatically curling them up to stroke that special place inside just as his open mouth finally found that sweet spot just above that he knew would send her over the edge. He flicked the nub lightly with his tongue as his fingers moved inside her and felt her body tighten as she called his name. He felt the tip of his tongue find the small crevice at the tip and settle there, moving her faster and with more pressure until her body started to shake. He felt her tense and heard her yell his name again as the waves of pleasure stared to crash over her. It was what he had been waiting for. Still keeping his rhythm with his fingers, he pulled the nub into his mouth and sucked hard, nursing her pleasure center as a babe would a breast. She screamed as he felt her body buck under his mouth and he felt his hand fill with her release.
When her body slowed but still quivered under his touch he rose up and quickly removed his leggings. In one swift move sunk himself deep inside her. She cried aloud again as his hardness filled her and she lost herself again to the feel of him pounding into her, grinding himself against her very core over and over again. He threw his head back as he felt her heat embrace him, her tight walls griping him as he pushed his way inside her. He moved faster, groaning as he moved deeper with every thrust. He wanted more of her and moved his arms under her legs until the were up around his shoulders. Grabbing her shoulders he thrust again and felt himself go deeper than ever before and his passion soared higher.
She felt him move her legs higher and thrust into her again, she moaned aloud as she felt his length rub against that special spot inside her. Her passion was building again and she knew she was almost there. He picked up his pace, almost as if he knew her limit as well as his own and she felt him go faster, deeper, harder. He was almost frantic in his taking of her. He had held himself in check for so long he almost couldn't let go but then he was there, and with one final hard thrust against her center, he filled her. She felt him start to pulse inside her and the spurt of warmth she felt against her core finally sent her over the edge. They went together, both calling the other's names aloud as the shudders racked their bodies. He held himself tight against her until her walls milked him of every last drop, then collapsed on top of her.
They lay there gasping, trying to catch their breaths. When his heart finally calmed down enough to allow him to move, he lifted himself and gently eased himself out of her. Moving to her side, he watched her, his head resting on his hand. Her eyes were still shut and her chest was still heaving. When her breathing slowed, she opened her eyes and looked at him, a smile on her face. He stared at her flushed face, his eyes moving slowly down her body, the light sheen of sweat making her glow in the firelight. Never had he seen anything so beautiful. He reached forward and pulled her closer and she snuggled into his arms.
They lay silently, basking in the most incredible, moving experience they had ever shared. It was perfect the way it was and words would only have ruined it. He felt her body finally relax and her breathing slow and he knew she slept. Pulling the furs up over both of them, he held her tighter and closed his eyes.
--
Durc rolled over, reaching for her in his sleep. When his hand found only empty furs he woke, suddenly alert and looking for her. He saw her walking back toward the camp from the riverside, the morning sun's rays piercing the boughs of the trees above to reflect like golden droplets in her hair. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came, as desire stirred again from beneath the furs that had pooled in his lap. She was so beautiful.
Latie giggled at the expression on his face as she walked into camp. He was just sitting there, staring at her, his mouth slightly open. She leaned down and placed a kiss on his still dazed lips, then moved over to the fire to fix him a plate. He must have really worn himself out last night, she thought to herself with a grin, for him to sleep through breakfast. She returned to the furs and handed him his platter. He took the wooden plate and set it aside, reaching for her instead but she danced away with a little laugh.
"Oh no you don't! You already slept late, we don't have time for that! Eat, and hurry up about it. We need to get going, it's already well past the time we normally start out," she said and reached for her pack to find her mammoth bone comb.
He looked up at the sun, startled "Why didn't you wake me?" he asked, before digging into his breakfast with gusto.
She watched him eat for a moment before she responded. "Work up an appetite last night?" she asked with a grin and he wriggled his eyebrows at her.
"Yeah, want to do it again?" he asked, his eyes already starting to heat at he thought of last night.
She laughed. "No... well... yes, but Darvalo should be back any time," she told him as she combed out her wet hair.
He looked around the camp and suddenly noticed his friend wasn't here. "Oh, where did he go?" he asked, finishing off his platter of food. He stood up and stretched, the muscles in his naked form rippling as he moved. Latie felt the breath leave her lungs as she watched him, his manhood standing erect and proud before him. She felt her body start to hum and a sudden dampness between her legs.
He laughed as she eyed him hungrily. "Oh no you don't! If you keep looking at me like that, we may not ever leave this place."
She sighed heavily in disappointment as she forced her eyes back to his smiling face. "I know. Go wash while I pack up the camp. Darvalo went to water the horses, so he should be back soon. I will get him to help me load them up while you get cleaned up." She eyed his body once more before throwing a leather towel and some clean clothes at him. "Hurry up, before I change my mind and drag you back to the furs," she ordered. He turned and walked toward the river and she could hear him laughing the whole way.
She packed up the camp, rolling up their bed furs and putting away the food. Darvalo appeared with the now refreshed horses and helped her start loading their stuff onto their backs. By the time Durc returned, clean and fully dressed, the were ready to head out.
--
They set off at a brisk, ground eating pace and managed to cover a lot of distance by the time they were ready to stop for their mid-day meal. Durc started looking for a shady spot near the river. He saw a group of trees ahead an picked up the pace a bit, but when he got closer he let out a startled gasp and came to a full stop. He peered ahead, making sure his eyes had not deceived him, then turned back to the others.
"We've got company," he said to Latie and Darvalo as they caught up with him.
"Who?" Latie asked, trying to see around him. He moved out of her way and Latie gasped at what she saw.
Sitting under the shade of the small trees, sat three members of the Clan and off a little to their right were three horses grazing peacefully on the short green grass.
Latie stared for a moment then turned back to the men, her eyes widened with shock. Darvalo just stared at the three Clan people sitting calmly under the trees watching them.
"I wonder what they're doing here." Durc said, more voicing his thoughts aloud than really speaking to anyone. He gazed at the Clan men and suddenly something struck him as odd. Why were they not frightened of them? He knew the reactions that people unfamiliar with tamed animals normally had and these people did not seem afraid. Why were they not running away? Almost all of the Clans Durc had met avoided the Others religiously, but these people were sitting in plain sight. Almost like they...
"It's like their waiting for us." Darvalo whispered behind him. Durc whipped his head around a looked at the other man who had just voiced his very thoughts.
"Stay here for a moment, I want to see if I can speak to them." Durc told them both. They both nodded silently, their eyes still glued to the sight of the Clan people sitting so close.
Durc sent a silent signal to Midnight and the horse started slowly forward. He didn't want to unnecessarily frighten these people, but he figured it they weren't running by now that they would probably stay put. He broached them cautiously, not really sure what to expect. He had no fear of them; they were after all, his people, but many of the Clan viewed him as unlucky because of his deformity. When he stood only a few paces away, he dismounted slowly, only to have one of the Clan men stand to greet him. Durc studied the man intently for a moment. His features were more distinct, bolder; his brow ridges more defined, his nose longer, more pronounced, his head more sloped towards the back, the hair on his head and body, thicker and darker, but he was still recognizably Clan. The differences were slight, only someone who was intimately familiar with the people would notice.
Durc studied his body language as well. He interpreted slight shock, but no fear; reserve, but not disgust. This man knew who he was and had been expecting him. He was a leader, Durc could read it in his bearing, see it in the slight deference of the others. He moved to stand before him, not sure how to proceed. The dilemma was taken out of his hands. The Clan leader raised his hands and spoke.
"I greet you Durc of Legend, leader of Clan and Others, we have been waiting on your arrival. This Clan leader is called Gaug and the two hunters behind me are Vaun and Dorb," he said, using the formal language that all Clans seemed to understand. He stared at Durc expectantly, but Durc was more than a little confused. He directed a hesitant reply to the leader.
"This man is honored by the Clan leader's presence, but is a little confused as to how he knew who I am or that I would be here," he stated, trying to gage the other mans reaction to his question. The man seemed truly shocked by his showing his deference to him as a leader, but covered it quickly, however the amusement in his eyes at his obvious confusion was harder to banish.
"It is a long story better told sitting comfortably by a fire. This leader would invite you, Durc of Legend, and your...others, to share our fire and hear our story," he answered, still using mostly the ancient signs, but slipping every now and again into his Clan's less formal speech. Durc understood the honor being bestowed upon him, but was sill hesitant. The leader did not miss this.
"You are worried Durc of Legend?" he inquired cautiously.
Durc nodded slightly. "I would gladly accept your offer, but I have a few concerns. My mate and our traveling companion are of the Others. They have a basic understanding of our language and high respect of our ways, but I will not allow my mate to be treated as a woman of the Clan. She will be subservient to no man. I fear you will be offended by what would appear to be a lack of respect from my woman and friend," he said, wanting to come to an understanding before any unknowing blunders were made.
"I understand your concerns. It is known by our Clan that the Others have different practices. We will not be offended by your woman or your man. As a matter of fact we will have to get used to your ways rather quickly if we are to join you on your journey," he answered calmly.
"Join me?" Durc asked, shocked.
"All your questions will be answered shortly. Please, go get your family and join us by the fire. We will talk then." He then returned to the other two men standing a ways behind him.
Durc mounted Midnight and turned back towards the others. Questions buzzing through his mind at lightning speed. How had they known? Durc of Legend? Join us? What did he mean by that? He reached Latie and Darvalo and jumped off Midnight again.
"They want us to join them so they can tell us their story." Durc told them.
"What story?" Darvalo asked confused.
"How they knew my name and how they knew we would be here and why they will be joining us on the rest of our journey," Durc said and watched the shock register on their faces.
"I have already spoken to them about the differences in our cultures and I explained that my mate would not serve them. They are fine with that and seem to be willing, almost eager, to learn our ways. I think we should listen to what they have to say."
"I agree, but I don't want to disrespect them. Are you sure they will understand our ways? I know the Clan that met with the Sharamudoi had problems learning that our women didn't intend any disrespect. I don't want a repeat of what happened there." Latie said, worried she may inadvertently raise the Clan men's ire.
"Do not worry about it Latie, I made our position on the subject clear. They will not be offended by your true nature. I don't know if you will be able to understand their language or not. It is a little different than the everyday language of my Clan, which is what Ayla taught you. It is still similar, but not the same. We may have to speak using the formal language and I can translate." Durc told her.
"What about me? What do I do?" Darvalo asked.
"I don't think you will have any problems. If they have a woman with them, just don't look at her too much. I didn't see any but, then, I didn't see their fire either. The Clan men are very protective of their women, but even this I can't see as a problem. I will explain the interaction between women and men with our kind, so it will not seem threatening. That should take care of any problems. They seem perfectly willing to learn. It may be hard for them at first, but I think they will try hard." Durc said, looking back the way he came. The three Clan men seemed to be waiting patiently for them to join them.
"Let's go then." Darvalo said and Latie nodded her agreement.
They all mounted up and headed back to the Clan men that waited on them. When they broached, the three men turned and headed off into the little thicket of trees. Durc knew they would not have their fire out in the open and he was right. A little ways into the trees they came to a small clearing, and there was a fire with two Clan women tending a meal. Both women started to scurry away, as was custom when coming in contact with Others, but a slight signal from the leader stopped them at the edge of the encampment. They stood quietly with heads bowed, waiting further instructions, but Durc could see their nervousness. The three from his group dismounted and tied the horses to a nearby tree and joined the Clan men by the fire. Then the introductions began.
"This man's mate is called Latie," he began, indicating Latie and enunciating her name slowly. His introduction of Latie first before that of the man with him, let the Clan know she was held in very high esteem, and also gave them a small taste of just how different women were treated among the Others.
The three men nodded at Latie, trying their best to repeat her name as Durc had given it. They all strove hard to get it right, afraid to offend the man of legend that stood before them by mispronouncing his mate's name. He obviously held her in high regard. Both of the hunters came off fairly accurate and Latie nodded at them, accepting their attempts at her name as the best they could do. The leader turned from then, giving them a slight nod of approval and repeated her name as well. He spoke it clearly, just as it was given and Durc gasped slightly at the man's obvious natural proclivity for word sounds. Latie was obviously delighted that the Clan leader could say her name clearly and she smiled. The two men behind the leader took in sharp breaths at her gesture, but the leader only nodded at her. Durc's mind was racing. He turned slightly and indicated Darvalo.
"This man is called Dar-val-o," he said the name slowly again, knowing they were going to have real trouble with this one. "He is our traveling companion and our friend."
Again the two hunters came as close as possible to this man's name. The leader said it much more clearly, but not as clearly as he had been able to say Latie's much simpler name. He nodded to Darvalo and the young man returned the subtle gesture. The leader then tapped his chest and said slowly, "Gaug."
Darvalo and Latie had a little trouble with the swallowed sounds in the middle, but they were much more familiar with Clan names from their experience with the Sharamudoi. The both came up with a fair approximation of the leader's name and mild surprise showed momentarily in his eyes before he covered it quickly. He introduced his other two hunters as well and they repeated the attempts at their names. They both got fairly close with not too many embarrassing blunders. Then Gaug signaled to the two women still standing quietly to the side and both stepped slightly forward.
"This leader's mate is called Una, she is also the medicine woman of our Clan," he said, indicating the first woman to step forward.
Durc could see she was a very attractive woman by Clan standards and very high status, being both the leaders mate and a medicine woman as well. He nodded slightly at her and waited. Darvalo also nodded at the woman, while repeating her name, his eyes lingering on the woman a little too long. When he turned back to the leader, he could tell the man had stiffened slightly. Durc noticed it too.
"Please do not be offended by my friend's attention to your mate. The Others highly respect all women and treat them accordingly. It was not intended as an insult to you, only as a compliment to your mate. It is customary among his people to treat women as equals if not betters and to hold them in high esteem, that reverence will extend to your women as well. He means no disrespect to you or your hunters. If you plan to travel with us, you will have to get used to you women being treated as equals by our group," he told the leader, easing his tension as well as preparing him for what to expect. Gaug relaxed a bit at his explanation and nodded, then introduced the last member of his group.
"The man Dorb's mate is called Ecra," he said, and the second Clan woman stepped forward slightly, her head still bowed.
Once all the introductions were complete and the tension dissipated, Gaug moved to the fire and sat, indicating they should follow. At his slight signal, his women moved to serve the meal they had prepared in their mates' absence. Durc, Darvalo and Latie took their seats by the fire and watched as each man was served a platter of delicious smelling food. Gaug sent a questioning look towards Durc and the young man inclined his head. Instantly a platter appeared before him and then Latie and Darvalo only a moment later.
They all ate silently, Latie and Darvalo eating slowly to better enjoy the unique but delicious flavor of the unusual meal. Latie never would have guessed a Clan woman could cook so well, this woman's food rivaled her mother's in quality and everyone knew that Nezzie was one of the best cooks among the Mamutoi. Then of course, Ayla had been an excellent cook as well, she remembered. When they had finished, Una and Ecra collected their platters silently . Gaug looked at them for a moment the finally spoke.
"Two summers ago, my Mogur came to me excited about a vision he had received from the spirit world. He told me that he had received a visit from a powerful mogur with only one eye and this mogur told him what must be done. Now, all the Clans in our area had heard the tales of a powerful magician who had lost his eye to Ursus himself, that lived far to the east. His story is known among all the clans and he was supposed to be the most powerful mogur to ever exist both before and since. My mogur insisted this was the same man. Until now, I wasn't sure I believed him," he said, looking at Durc.
Durc could only stare for a moment, could it possibly be the same man? He couldn't believe what was happening. "I was born to the hearth of a mogur who was attacked as a child by a cave bear. He took my mother in and raised her himself. She still lived at his hearth when I was born, but he died when I was a small boy. He died in an earthquake caused by angry spirits. This mogur that raised my mother had only one eye and was reputed to be the most powerful mogur to have ever lived," he told Gaug with his hands, while translating the conversation for Latie and Darvalo.
Gaug eyes widened at this most startling connection but could only nod, it was fitting. The other Clan men sat silently, they could only stare in wonder at the deformed man in front of them. "My mogur told me that this powerful spirit left him with instructions that would be our responsibility and honor to carry out. He told him that in the following spring, a full moon's cycle after the time when all the animals would bear the young they carried through the winter, I was to take four of my strongest hunters and go in search of a herd of horses. I was allowed to kill all but three of the young to feed my cave. The three that were to be left alive were to be captured and brought back to the cave and raised by our people, much like the Cave bear cub they capture for the festivals. When my mogur questioned the spirit as to why they would do such a thing, he would only answer that we would need them for later."
"We did as he asked and found a herd with lots of young. After slaughtering the mature horses for food, we left all the young alive. We picked out the three strongest, healthiest and most beautiful among them and killed the rest. We took the horses back to the cave with us and raised them like we were told to do. When they had reached adulthood, the powerful spirit again visited our mogur. He gave him further instructions for the horses and some for me too. The horses were to be trained to carry riders and I was to train someone to lead my cave in my place. He said I and two of my best hunters and two of my most experienced women would be leaving on a long and dangerous journey. We would be gone well over a full turning of the seasons if not for good and I would need someone capable of leadership to take my place." He paused for a moment, the obvious strain of having to abdicate his position telling on his face. He signaled his mate and she appeared instantly with a cup of hot tea for him. Once the others had been served as well, he continued his tale, with Durc translating quietly for Latie and Darvalo.
"I, of course, did not want to train a new leader in my place, but who was I to argue with the spirit of the most powerful magician? I did as I was told and trained my second in command's mate's son to take my place while I was gone. My second would be coming with me and my own mate's son was still too young but if I fail to return by the time he reaches manhood, he will take his rightful place as leader then. We managed to train the horses to carry a rider on their backs as was instructed, then we waited. This winter, when the snows began to fall, the spirit came once again. He told my mogur that a young Durc of Legend would pass through here on his way to meet his destiny. We were to go with him and help him on his journey. He came more and more often as the time to meet with you grew near and told us what to expect and what to look for and when to be waiting for you. So far all that he told us has come to pass, but for one thing. He told us of the horses, but he also mentioned that you would be traveling with a cave lion It is the only time he has been wrong." Gaug dropped his hands, his outlandish tale finished, but Durc was shaking his head.
"No, Gaug, he was not wrong even then. We do travel with a cave lion, but he is off hunting right now," Durc told him. His own amazement had passed. He was familiar with how the dreams from the spirit world worked. He watched Gaug's eyes fly open along with Vaun's and Dorb's. The two Clan women's hands started flying in rapid discussion.
"How do you travel with a cave lion? Do you not fear attack from ever the greatest of hunters?" Gaug asked Durc, in true awe of the young man in front of him.
Durc figured he should explain his side of the fabulous tale. "Before I can tell you how we travel with the lion, I must first tell you of my mother. Her name was Ayla..." Durc told the story of the woman of the Others that was found and raised by his clan. He told them of her powerful totem and how it led her to hunt, he told them of her life long rivalry with Broud and the story of his birth and her fight to keep him alive. He told them of how she was cast out of the clan by Broud, cursed with death and the spirits anger at his treatment of her. The he told them what he had learned of her life once she had left the Clan, and him, behind.
He told them of her long lonely time in the valley, how she had found the baby horse and raised her and then the injured infant cave lion. He told of her finding Jondalar a few years later, injured and dying from an attack by the same cave lion now full-grown. He told them how she healed him and how they fell in love. He told of their meeting with Latie's people and their stay with them before taking off on their own journey back to Jondalar's people far to the west.
He went on to tell them his own story, the visions, the ending confrontation with Broud, how Baby came to find him and how he left with him to find the man in his dreams. He told them of his own meeting with the Mamutoi and learning that his mother was still alive, how she had beaten even a death curse. He told them about learning the ways of the Others and of meeting his mate and their love for each other.
He finished his long story by telling them of his journey so far and how they had met the Sharamudoi and Darvalo and what had happened with the Clan there. He told of his dreams that others would join him, but that he didn't realize they would be Clan. When he got to the part about this meeting them his tired hands finally fell still in his lap. The five members of the Clan had sat silently enraptured by the amazing story his hands were telling. Now they gave a great sigh, almost as one. This young man's side of the story made their strange experiences seem tame by comparison. It also made it all make a weird sort of sense.
Gaug sat thinking for a while, letting a peaceful quiet fall on the now darkened camp. He tried hard to process all the new information he had been given in so short a time, but it was just too much. He would spend many days mulling over all that he had been told. All that mattered now, was the end result.
"So, it would seem that we travel together now. Where do we go from here?" he suddenly asked Durc, his hands moving tiredly.
Durc nodded his agreement to his conclusion and then answered his question. "From here, we go west. We find my mother," he said simply. Gaug simply nodded and stared once more into the flickering flames of the fire.