Standard Disclaimer: I do not own the Earth's Children series, I am only inspired by it.

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Bologan was glad that no one had selected him for First Rites this year. After consulting with Jerekal and Jondalar, he set out on horseback to scout the rabble's camp the morning after the Matrimonial. Riding hard, he could reach the site in just three days, as opposed to the better part of a moon that the large group of injured people had taken to get back to Lion Cave. What he found gave him a certain grim satisfaction.

The camp was no longer there. Instead, he found the charred remains of several tents, and three fresh graves. He also saw the trail leading back towards Zelandonii territory. He hurried back to Lion Cave with his findings, but Jerekal was not convinced that they were out of danger.

"You and Jonayla both told us, First was already thinking about returning in the fall," Jerekal said. "We hurt her group with that rescue raid. I suspect she's more likely than ever to come back after us, in retaliation. And if people are back at their home Caves, her rabble will be able to wipe us out, one Cave at a time."

"But Lion Cave can't sustain this large of a group indefinitely," Bologan pointed out. "With the Ninth Cave people here, as well as all of the Zarnadonii, there must be more than three hundred people here. Even if we can hunt enough for everyone, the plant food will be gone in no time."

"I'm aware of that," Jerekal replied. "But I frankly don't trust the First to be satisfied with the damage she's already done to us. She's driven the Ninth Cave from their home, she'll do the same to us. We need to leave."

"Leave?!" the cry broke from a hundred throats or more.

"Yes, leave," Jerekal reiterated grimly. "Think about it. We know that First was already considering attacking our home Caves. And that was before we made that raid on her camp to get our women back. Now we've managed to kill some of her followers. She'll be out for revenge, especially if she knows that Elleron, Dalzarna, Talunar, and Zarina survived."

"But why leave?" asked a young man from Magpie Cave. "Why not stay and fight?"

"That's a reasonable question," Jerekal said. "But let me ask you a question in return. How many people do you think are here, right now?"

"Uhhh… three hundred and twenty?" the young man guessed.

Jerekal smiled faintly. "That's a fair guess, and probably close to the actual number. However, of that three hundred and twenty, how many do you suppose are children and very old people?"

The young man glanced around. There were a lot of children scampering around. "Maybe a hundred and fifty?"

"Again, that is probably close. Which leaves a hundred and seventy adults who might be able to lift a spear in our defense," Jerekal said. "First had at least three hundred adults in that camp of hers… and the Zelandonii people, even without counting the Ninth Cave, number more than a thousand. We can't hope to stand against her. And I have no intention of wasting the lives of my people by trying. Our best hope is to leave, and pray to Doni that her followers refuse to hunt us further than this."

There was an outbreak of murmuring as people thought about Jerekal's words. Only the few who had gone scouting prior to the rescue had any idea just how large a following the First had. Nearly everyone else had assumed the rabble to be about the same size as the small group that Madroman and Charoli led against them all those years ago. They thought that the rabble's advantage was more that no one had carried weapons to the Matrimonial. They hadn't really noticed just how many people were doing the attacking.

Jerekal gave everyone a moment to consider what he'd said before continuing. "I believe we'll have at least a couple of moons before we need to really start looking for another attack," he said. "Bologan found their trail heading back toward Zelandonii territory. So, if we plan on leaving in a moon, we should have enough of a head start that we won't get caught while traveling."

"What about us?" came the plaintive question from a very young woman of the Ninth Cave.

"The Ninth Cave is more than welcome to join the Zarnadonii," Jerekal replied. "Forgive me that I hadn't made that clearer. I hope you choose to accept the invitation."

Jondalar was startled by the offer. Jerekal hadn't invited the Ninth Cave to accompany his people, he'd invited the Ninth Cave to join them. To become Zarnadonii themselves. Jondalar wasn't quite sure he was ready to take such a step, but then again, the Ninth Cave really wasn't Zelandonii anymore either. "We can discuss that in depth in a day or so," he said. "Do you have a destination in mind?"

Jerekal nodded. "More a general area than an actual destination, but yes. Crun's clan lives almost due south of us, near the joining of three rivers. I understand that one of those rivers begins at a glacier in the highlands, much as the Great Mother River begins at the glacier near the Losadunai. I propose that we follow that river to somewhere near its source, and find a new home there. Besides," he added, "we should let Crun know about First's rabble, so the Clan can also be on their guard."

People began to nod and murmur among themselves again. "Will we be able to go to our home Caves and get things?" a woman asked. "I have a few projects that I was saving to finish after the Summer Meeting, and I'd really rather not lose them."

"Yes," Jerekal said. "We won't be starting our travels for another moon, to give us time to prepare for the traveling. But, don't go to your home Caves in groups smaller than ten adults. If the First has any scouts in the area, I don't want them tempted to go after a person who is alone."

"Oh, I have a suggestion, to make hauling everyone's property easier," Danug spoke up. "Among the Mamutoi, some Camps made small pole drags for people to pull, rather than horses. We've had horses all along, so I hadn't thought about them until now. But with so many people who will probably want to bring everything but the actual shelters from their Caves," he paused as a chuckle went around. "I can show anyone who wants one how to make it and the harness to pull it."

The meeting broke up at that point, with several people clustering around Danug to hear more about the small pole drags while others gathered around Jerekal to ask more about the area through which they would be traveling. Still others formed groups who immediately began planning treks to home Caves to bring their goods and supplies. And Jondalar went to find Ayla, to discuss Jerekal's invitation to join with the Zarnadonii with her before proposing it to the entire Ninth Cave.

"I don't know what to say, Ayla," Jondalar paced back and forth as he spoke. "Jerekal's offer… it's like a gift from Doni in a way. But… but… I am Jondalar of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii. I don't know how to be anything else."

Ayla wasn't quite sure she understood her mate's problem. But then again, she'd never had that sense of belonging in quite the same way. When she had been Ayla of Brun's clan, she was always one of the Others. And even when the Mamutoi and later the Zelandonii adopted her, she still felt slightly apart, simply because she hadn't grown up with them. Traditions that everyone else accepted, she felt were open to question. But if she didn't understand why Jondalar felt the way he did, she certainly realized that his feelings were quite real. "Jondalar, the Ninth Cave no longer exists, except in hearts and memories. The First made sure of that. We can't go back, ever," she said gently. "The only way you can still be Jondalar of the Ninth Cave is to be Jondalar of the Zarnadonii, formerly of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii."

"I know that in my mind," Jondalar said, looking distressed. "But still… it hurts."

"Think of it this way then," Ayla suggested. "Everyone left of the Ninth Cave is looking to you as their leader. Look at it from a leadership point of view. What is best for your people?"

That did make Jondalar stop fretting and start really thinking. If he tried to keep the Ninth Cave a separate entity, too many young people would never find mates because their kinships were too close to each other. And hunting for his group would be more difficult, because many of the women had small children. Not enough elders remained to be able to mind the youngsters and permit the mothers to help with the hunting. And of course, there was the threat of the First and her rabble still hanging over them. "I'm going for a walk," he said abruptly, and headed toward the river.

It was difficult to find a spot where he could be alone to think things out, but he kept heading upstream until he couldn't see Lion Cave and its environs anymore, although he could still hear the gathering. Mindful of the need to be wary, he found himself a shallow depression in the cliff face. It wasn't a cave by any means, just a small niche that he could sit in, but it meant that he could not be surprised from behind. He settled himself and pondered his options.

After a mental struggle that lasted most of the afternoon, Jondalar reluctantly decided to recommend that the people of the former Ninth Cave become Zarnadonii. He had to admit, that with Jerekal's invitation stated so publicly, many of them would accept it, no matter what he personally said. But others, who looked to him to lead them, wouldn't accept it unless he did. Well, that might be one good thing out of becoming Zarnadonii, he thought with a touch of wry humor, Jerekal was the undisputed leader of the Zarnadonii. Yes, the other three Caves had leaders, but even those leaders looked to Jerekal for direction. Maybe he would be able to get himself out of this leadership position into which he had been thrust. Or maybe not. He was still the brother of Joharran and the son of Marthona.

As he got up from where he'd been sitting, he noticed that he'd been leaning against a pile of dry bones. One caught his eye and he caught his breath. It was the complete skull of a cave lion! Jondalar knew that Ayla would appreciate it, so he carefully lifted it free and took it with him.

Ayla was watching for him when he arrived back at camp. "Did your walk help you to settle things?" she asked with a sympathetic smile.

"It did, actually. You're right, I had to think of what would be best for everyone, and set my own feelings aside," he said. "But never mind that for now, look what I found!" He pulled the cave lion skull out of his packframe with a grin of anticipation, waiting to see her reaction.

And her reaction was even more extreme than he'd expected. She actually dropped her tea, she was so startled. "Jondalar! A cave lion skull? Where did you find this?"

His smile grew as he looked at his mate of thirteen years. "I discovered that I'd been sitting against it, once I'd thought things out and got up to head back here. I thought you would like it, so I brought it back for you."

"Jondalar, it's a sign, a sign from your totem," she said. "The Spirit of the Cave Lion gave you this to tell you that you made the correct decision."

"What?" Even after all these years, Ayla could still surprise him.

"Jondalar, think about it. Your totem is the cave lion. Jerekal is the leader of the Zarnadonii, living at the Lion Hearth and the Lion Cave. I'd say the Spirit of the Cave Lion is being very clear," Ayla said. "I can't accept that skull from you. But it is too big to keep in your amulet," she thought for a moment. "I know. Give it to Jerekal when we officially become Zarnadonii. I can't think of a more appropriate gift."

Jondalar shook his head, but he had to admit that Ayla's suggestion made sense. At least, the part about giving the skull to Jerekal did. No matter what she said, he was still skeptical about this whole totem business. "Yes, that does seem appropriate. But why don't you keep it somewhere safe, until we are ready to give it. Right now, I'm going to go call a meeting of the people of the former Ninth Cave. I have to let them know that I think joining the Zarnadonii is the best thing we can do… even if I still feel odd about it," he added with a twisted grin.

Ayla smiled and kissed him. "I love you, you know. Zelandonii or Zarnadonii, you are still Jondalar, Master Flint Knapper, and my mate. And you always will be."

"And I love you," he answered, kissing her back, hard, before striding out of the tent to gather his people.

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The next moon passed quickly, as everyone prepared for departure. So many people wanted the Mamutoi small pole drags that the area was denuded of young saplings. The people of the former Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii chose hearth-names and slowly got used to thinking of themselves as Zarnadonii. Hunting parties went out every day, as did groups of gatherers, in hopes of acquiring enough food stores to give themselves a head start on preparations for winter once they found a new home. Everyone packed their belongings, and finally the day of departure arrived.

Realizing how the Zarnadonii would feel about leaving the home that they had worked so hard to create, Lanidar created a ceremony for the occasion. He stood before a leaping fire at the central gathering hearth, just as the sun rose. "Doni, you guided us to this place, and for that we thank You," he declaimed with outstretched arms. "Now that You have shown us that our time here is over, we ask You, our Mother, to guide us safely to our new home. Protect us on our travels. And know that wherever we may find ourselves, we will never forget to honor You."

As he finished speaking, Jonetta and the other acolytes doused the fire with water. Danila, Ayla, and the other doniers led everyone in the chanting of the Mother's Song as the steam billowed in the rising sun. When it was finished, Jerekal gave a signal and they started on their trek.

The first half-moon or so of travel was easy. Several people of Lion Cave knew the way to Crun's clan, and the trail was not too rugged. Verdegia, recovered enough to ride in a horse's pole drag without needing to be strapped to a board, was quite grateful. So was Lanoga, who gave birth to a son on the third night of the trek. She named him Delinar. She and her newborn also spend a couple of days riding in a pole drag.

Jaradal, with his childlike mental state, developed a strong attatchment to Elleron. Proleva was embarrassed, but Elleron told her not to worry about it. "He might have a man's body," he told her, "but anyone can see that he is a child. I do not mind that a child wants to learn things from me. In fact, I am flattered," he added with a grin.

And he was as good as his word, patiently showing Jaradal how to walk quietly in the woods and how to spot game as they traveled. Jaradal became quite adept at spotting grouse and partridge hiding in the brush. He would point them out to Elleron, who would then target them with his throwing stick. Jaradal would then go and bring back the kills for Lorala and Dalzarna to clean. Elleron was pleased by the way the childlike man was learning, but he wondered if Jaradal would ever be capable of taking care of himself. Finally, he gathered his courage and approached Ayla one evening during the meal.

"I have an idea that might… might… help Jaradal," he said diffidently. "I do not know if it will work, and I would have to discuss it with… someone else… before I can even think about suggesting it to his mother. But, well, you are a healer. The best healer, from what Lanidar says. So I thought I would ask you first."

Ayla was intrigued. She had tried everything she could think of to help Jaradal, but his problem was simply beyond her experience. She honestly hadn't been sure that he would regain consciousness following his injury, and had never heard of a person waking up as a child once more. Head injury cases tended to either wake up and be fine, or else die without waking. "I'm willing to listen," she said. "What exactly do you want to do for him?"

"Well, uh, you are aware of the clan that Jerekal trades with, right?" Elleron asked, not sure how much Ayla knew.

"Yes, of course, Crun's clan," Ayla said. "I understand from Dalzarna that his mate's son Narg is Mog-Ur now. I met them once, years ago." She grinned, "I think I startled them, since I am a medicine woman. But you don't know my story, do you? I'll have to tell you sometime. So, your idea involves the Clan?"

Now Elleron was stunned. "Yes, I think I do want to hear your story. But for Jaradal… Narg performed a ceremony for me and Echozar when he came to trade in the spring. I… it is not something I can explain easily," he shook his head. "But… that ceremony… it did something to my mind. My memories became clearer, I… I even have Clan memories now. I thought… maybe… if Narg was willing… something like that could help Jaradal remember things again."

Much to Elleron's surprise, Ayla gave him an enthusiastic hug and a huge grin. "That is the best idea I've heard! If Narg is willing, of course. I think you're right, that is the best chance for Jaradal to recover fully," she said. "We'll talk to Narg as soon as we get to Crun's clan."

Elleron smiled gratefully. Ayla had been much more receptive to his idea than he'd expected. But of course, he hadn't known her background. "Then, since it is still early, will you tell me your story? I am most interested."

Ayla smiled back and began recounting her tale to Elleron, collecting quite an audience in the process. Her story was a favorite among the former dwellers of the Ninth Cave, as it proved to their minds that Ayla and not the First was correct about the Clan being human. And many of the Zarnadonii had never heard her tale before, and were fascinated. She blushed when her listeners erupted into applause when she finished.

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As the large group of Zarnadonii drew closer to the area claimed by Crun's clan, Jerekal became concerned. He realized that the sheer size of his group would badly strain the resources of the area if they stayed for any length of time. Yet he knew he needed to warn Crun of the threat posed by the First and her rabble, and too, Ayla and Elleron were proposing to ask Narg to perform some kind of ceremony to help Jaradal return to normal. If there was a chance that such a ceremony could help the young man, Jerekal figured that they should be allowed to try. Times like these were when he missed his co-mate the most. Lanidar and Bologan were able men, but they didn't have the knowledge of the Clan that Echozar did. He really needed to know whether to bring the entire group to Crun's cave or to find a good campsite nearby and send runners. And if he did bring the group to the cave, would there be conflicts brought about by the different customs?

Finally, it occurred to him to ask Ayla and Elleron. The former, he knew, had grown up with a clan. And Elleron had been invited to that ceremony with Echozar back in the spring; Echozar had mentioned something about having learned the memories, so perhaps the younger man had also. Jerekal just hoped that whatever these memories were, they would offer some insight to his dilema. Once the group set up camp at the end of the day's travels and everyone was enjoying their evening meal, he set out to look for the two.

Naturally, he found Elleron first, as the young man and his two mates were set up just a few tents away. Elleron and Dalzarna were sitting on either side of Lorala, their hands gently resting on the swell of the expectant mother's belly. "I felt it!" Elleron exclaimed in an awed tone. "I actually felt the baby move!"

"Where?" asked Dalzarna. "I want to feel it as well." She grinned as Elleron guided her hand to the spot that the baby was currently kicking. "This one must be a son, Lorala," she giggled, "No girl would ever fight so hard against her own mother."

Lorala chuckled as well. "You think?" she asked. "Mother used to tell me that the most difficult pregnancies were of girl babies… because the girl babies wanted to make sure that their mothers wouldn't still be competition at festivals by the time the girls reached womanhood. The girl babies always seem to think they have to start exhausting their mothers into becoming old women even before they are born."

All three were laughing when Jerekal approached. "I hate to break up the family party," he said, "but I need to borrow Elleron for a bit. But don't worry, ladies, I promise to return him in one piece."

"Oh, Jerekal," Dalzarna rolled her eyes at the surviving man of her hearth.

"Actually, Dalzarna, now that I'm thinking of it, I might be able to use your help as well," Jerekal said. "If, of course, Lorala doesn't mind being abandoned."

Lorala smiled and got to her feet. "I don't mind at all," she said. "I can always go have tea with my sister, and maybe get to hold my newest nephew for a while. You two go on," she told Elleron and Dalzarna. "I'll either be with Lanoga or else already in my furs, depending on how long you take."

Elleron and Dalzarna got to their feet as well. He gave Lorala a quick kiss, then took Dalzarna's hand as they followed Jerekal through the camp to Jondalar's tent. Giggles and squeals from within indicated that the younger children were inside, but Ayla and Jondalar were having tea out front.

"Ayla! Just the person I needed to see," Jerekal hailed. "And Jondalar, your experiences might also prove helpful to me. Do either of you mind if I ask a few questions?"

"Not at all. Well, not unless those questions have anything to do with why every girl that isn't the daughter of my hearth wanted me for her First Rites," Jondalar joked. "After all these years, I was surprised to discover that I still had any kind of reputation left." He grinned, knowing that Jerekal had been invited to every Zarnadonii First Rites except for the very first one.

"Oh, really?" Jerekal pouted, "And here I thought I would finally be able to find out just what your secret is!" He chuckled, then became serious. "No, what I am here for is your knowledge of the Clan and Clan ways. That's why I also asked Elleron and Dalzarna to be here as well. Thanks to her friendship with Una, Dalzarna knows more about Crun's clan than pretty much anyone else among the Zarnadonii. And Elleron has those memories, as he calls them. Ayla, you were raised by a clan. And Jondalar, you met enough Clan people over time that you can probably also tell me a few things."

"Of course, we'll be glad to help," Ayla said. "Sit down and pass your cups; I have tea already made. It's linden, chamomile, and gillyflower, with just a bit of licorice root to sweeten it." Once everyone was comfortable and had tea she sat back down. "So, what exactly were you wondering about Clan ways, Jerekal?"

"Well, to begin with, how is Crun likely to feel about a crowd this size coming to visit?" Jerekal asked. "This is close to three Caves by Zelandonii standards. It's six caves by Zarnadonii standards. And Crun's clan is smaller than most of the Zarnadonii caves."

"Our group is bigger than most Clan Gatherings," Elleron spoke up. "I would not bring the entire group to Crun's cave."

Ayla agreed, "Yes, camping nearby would be a better idea. And hunting… only men should hunt while we are in their territory. And we should share our kills with Crun. That way, even if our crowd disrupts their hunting methods, they won't suffer any shortages as a result."

"We couldn't stay in the cave anyway," Dalzarna mentioned. "Not with the horses. We have nearly twenty of them, remember, and they will need more grazing than the area around Crun's cave can provide."

"All right, so we find a nearby spot to camp. Dalzarna, you've visited there every year, can you suggest a good place?"

The young woman thought for a moment. "I think so. There is a clearing about half a day's walk south of the cave… in fact, it's on the river that you want to follow. But the only way I know to get there is from the cave."

"I think, if Crun is given notice that we will be passing through, he will probably not mind us passing near his cave," Ayla said. "Send Elleron and Dalzarna ahead… Lorala too, if she wants… and they can let Crun know that we want to get to that clearing. If he has any objection to this crowd passing his cave, he can send someone to guide us around the area and to the clearing."

"I would like that," Elleron said. "That will also give me the opportunity to speak with Narg about Jaradal."

"Ayla and I should go along as well," Jondalar suggested. "Especially if you want to try to talk to Narg about Jaradal. Ayla is a medicine woman, after all, so Narg will respect her opinions. But it wouldn't be appropriate for her to speak with Narg without me around. Oh, and definitely send Lorala along with Elleron and Dalzarna. Two mates will give Elleron some additional status in Clan terms… it shows that he is a good provider who can accept the responsibility for two women."

Dalzarna chuckled. "I'll have to give Lorala a quick lesson in behaving like a good Clan woman, but I don't think she'll mind too much. And her being blessed will also reflect well on Elleron."

"And I certainly know how to be a good Clan woman," Ayla laughed. "Although it has been many, many years since I've had to be. But Jondalar is right, if the five of us go ahead, that will make things easier on everyone. Crebulan is still nursing, so I'll need to bring him along. But Thonolan, Mariza, and Maruba will be fine staying here with Jonayla. Proleva can help keep an eye on them, but Jonayla is a capable young woman now."

"That's settled then," Jerekal said in a satisfied voice. "Dalzarna, how far are we from Crun's cave now?"

"About two day's walk," she replied.

"Good. We'll stay camped here then. You five will head for Crun's cave in the morning, and we'll look for you again in five or six days," Jerekal said. "Oh, and you might extend an invitation for Crun to bring his clan to share a feast with us before we continue on our journey. Especially if Narg can help Jaradal in some way, we'll have something to really celebrate. But even if he can't, I'd still like to reaffirm our friendship with his clan."

"And now we need to go tell Lorala about our side trip," Elleron commented. "I hope she is still drinking tea with Lanoga. I would hate to have to wake her to tell her we need to wake early tomorrow."

Everyone chuckled at that, and then Jondalar said, "And we need to find Jonayla and tell her that she gets to play mother to her brother and sisters for a few days. Elleron, Dalzarna, we'll see you at first light?"

"First light," Dalzarna agreed as she and Elleron rose to go find Lorala.