CHAPTER 10: Aylaaa! ... Ubaaa!
Ayla knew she would soon be with the people of her Clan and see many of her old friends. 'The Clan of the Cave Bear will be my home once again and I urgently want to meet A-laa and Reebrun and Ura, Durc's mate.' The thought warmed her heart. The pain in Ayla's heart had been lifted; her first child was with her again.
The two were found to be looking at each other constantly and just about as often as they looked at each other, some little thing would be said, and the comment would engage them in prolonged conversation. The two had roughly twenty-six summers to catch up on.
Ayla could easily see the reference to Brun in Reebrun's name and was pleased. Moreover, Durc had named his little girl 'A-laa,' and she felt truly honored he had done so. Ayla was given the Clan's Death Curse and she lived in spite of it. Such was now part of the Clan's memories.
There were other people Ayla wanted to greet, Uba and Brun were at the top of her list. Being her hearth sister, Uba would be prioritized ahead of Brun since he was no longer the Clan's leader, but Durc had mentioned that Brun was ill, and his illness made seeing him more important than seeing Uba. 'I must not be thinking straight,' Ayla thought, 'Uba is my Clan's Medicine Woman and I would need to consult with her before I see Brun anyway!'
Even before beginning the trek to the East, Ayla had planned to search for Durc for an entire year after arriving in the area near her old Clan. Wherever she found Durc, she planned to winter with him. If she were lucky, she could spend two winters with him. She had obligations as First Zelandoni but right now she was finally fulfilling a long overdue prior obligation to herself and to Durc. The first in the South was acting as First Zelandoni during her prolonged absence. Ayla had no worries; the Zelandonii people were in good hands.
….
Reaching the Clan of the Cave Bear, Ayla was greeted by many of the friends she had known when she lived there as a child and this warmed her heart. It was reality that the Death Curse she was given had been defeated. Ayla was alive and had survived all the summers that had gone by since she was cursed.
Durc held his mother's hand as he introduced Ura, his mate, and their two children. Eight summer Reebrun and six summer A-laa melted Ayla's heart to no end if for no other reason than they were her grandchildren. Jondalar was introduced as Grammy's mate.
In the four moons before Durc's return home, Uba had taken charge to give Reebrun and A-laa a very intensive education about who was coming to visit them. This education was well received by both children and they were excited. The two children remembered the stories father had told them, but the person in the stories was someone neither child had ever seen. They would soon meet father's mother and get to play with her.
Ura's mother had gone to the Spirit World long before Reebrun and Ayla were born. For the very first time the two children would have a grammy just like their friends did. This was exciting for the children. "I want to show Grammy my new doll," little A-laa said.
"I want to show Grammy how good I can throw a spear," Reebrun said with pride. Both children could sign and both children could speak Zelandonii. It was a rule that they speak aloud when at home and they sign at all other times. Knowing both languages, the children would always be able to communicate whether with Clan or with Others.
Ayla had an amber amulet with her and decided she would give it to little A-laa. Creb had given it to her when he adopted her and said it offered help in protection against disease, danger, and evil. The amulet was something she originally planned to pass down to Jonayla, but she had other things for Jonayla now.
"A-laa this amulet was given to me by Creb himself. It was his and is from my life in the Clan; I want it to be yours."
Even at six summers, little A-laa knew who Creb was, and to have something he had once owned and held in his hands instilled awe in the little girl. "Thank you, Grammy! but how did the itch bug fly inside the amulet?"
"The 'itch bug' is called a mosquit. It landed on a wounded tree and the sticky sap from the tree's wound covered the bug and will hold it forever." As the sap dried, it became hard and became what is called 'amber.' The amulet offers needed help in protecting against disease, danger, and evil."
Ayla had never given serious thought to the possibility of having grandchildren, but she had a few other 'girl things' with her. Reebrun was a different story and being a boy, Ayla called to Jondalar for help. The two spoke and colluded to provide gifts for the boy. "Reebrun, I have firestones for you."
"What are 'firestones' Grammy?"
Ayla handed Reebrun two stones. "The black stone is the firestone and the other stone is just hard flint. Together, I call them 'firestones.'
"Yes, Grammy, but I don't see any fire or even feel hotness in the two stones you have given me."
"Reebrun, let's you and I kindle a fire, and then I will use your firestones to start a fire so fast you won't believe it; let me show you."
Kindling a small fire didn't take long for the two. "Reebrun, I want you to watch closely." Ayla then knelt by the kindling, as did Reebrun. "Now hand me your firestones." He handed the two stones to Grammy and she struck the firestones together then blew gently on the quickly smoking moss; a flame arose from within the kindling.
Reebrun couldn't believe his eyes. Grammy handed him the firestones and he reached out to accept them. He looked at the two stones with absolute wonder.
"My firestones aren't even hot Grammy!"
"Reebrun, these firestones are not toys. I give them to you as a tool to make starting a fire an easy thing to do. To my knowledge no other young man in your Clan, or any other Clan in this part of the world, has firestones.
"Now I will teach you how to properly hold them to start fires yourself." The teaching time was short and Reebrun jumped up and down with joy when he kindled and started his first fire. The best part in this was that he did it with his new firestones. A-laa would also be given firestones but for now, she was too young.
Jondalar now stepped to Reebrun, removed his belt knife and sheath, and handed them to the young man. "Reebrun, you are old enough now to handle a man's belt knife and just like the firestones are not toys, a man's belt knife is not a toy either."
"Thank you, Grammy, thank you Jondalar! I promise to use these gifts as you do and won't ever play with them, I know they are not for play." Durc and Ura were standing where they could see both children receive the gifts. Jondalar called to Durc then gave a wink of the eye to Reebrun... The three men, two older and one younger walked into the forest. Ayla and Ura watched as the trio walked away.
"Ayla, what do three men do when they go into a forest?"
"Ura, I don't have the slightest idea. The answer to your question is probably known by Ursus but I'm doubtful any one of the men will ever reveal what they do, and it's not necessary for me to know. Whatever it is they do when together in a forest is their business, up to and until someone gets hurt. THAT is when I will make it my business to know."
The two women shared a laugh and began speaking about their men. During this time, Durcan and Ava were exploring the Clan of the Cave Bear and were enjoying meeting the people. Both signed a proper language and those in Ayla's Clan found having a conversation with them was not a hardship.
….
As she had planned, Ayla sought out Uba and Brun the following day. Uba had been told that Durc had found his mother and she was fully expecting Ayla's visit. "Aylaaa! ... Ubaaa!" the two women voiced each other's name as they came together. Any bystander would think the two were in a signing contest. "You look well Uba! I am so pleased to see you!"
"... And I to see you my sister. Where have you been? What has happened in your life? Did you ever find and join a tribe of the Others? Have you a mate? Do you have children? I have been told you are a Mog-ur among the Others, is this correct? I have tens of tens of questions for you."
"... And I have tens of tens of questions for you Uba, and what you were told is correct, but I need to know, how is Brun? Is he still with us?"
Marka interjected, "Brun is still with us for now, but I think his spirit will be walking the Spirit World within five or six moons." Ayla hadn't noticed someone else was in Uba's hearth and turned to Uba with a questioning look.
"Mog-ur Ayla, this is Marka, one of my two apprentices. She has nearly finished her training and the two of us have been watching and caring for Brun."
Ayla turned and gave a nod of acknowledgement to Marka and asked, "Marka, what caused Brun's need for medicinals and what have you done in way of treatments." Ayla was in full Medicine Woman mode now and was listening intently. Asking Marka about the treatments instead of asking Uba was showing respect for Marka.
"Mog-ur, Brun cut his hand while he was working a hide. The cut went to festering and then to fever. We have treated him with everything we know of and nothing can reach the source of his fever."
"Marka, I met with the same problem when my mate nearly died from an injury. In Brun's case, it was a hunting knife used to scrape a hide that caused it. In my mate's case, the injury was from a weapon that had me as its target. Just like you, I tried everything I could think of, but nothing worked.
"A Medicine Woman from The Clan of The River Neemah had discovered a new medicinal that killed wound fever almost like pouring water on a flame. I would like to try the same medicinal on Brun."
Now Uba spoke up. "Ayla, you have knowledge of the medicinal and you are still a Medicine Woman and carry the black stone of the Clan, so I give you charge of Brun. Do you remember my law?"
"Your law is 'Do no harm,' and I have made it my pledge." Ayla had not anticipated the question, but she lived the answer. "Let's boil enough water for one cup of tea; the three of us are going to make the new medicinal."
"I will go to Mog-ur's hearth and get a burning stick so we can start a fire," Marka volunteered.
"Marka, do you have dry wood at hand?"
"Yes, Mog-ur, we have branches, twigs, leaves, and dried moss stored in the back of our hearth."
"Marka, if you would kindle us a fire, I will have it burning in a breath or two."
Turning to Uba with a questioning look, Uba's eyes and a slight nod gave Marka a positive reply. Ayla's mentor knew whatever Ayla said would be truth, this is why she gave a positive response. Marka kindled a fire and moments later a fresh fire was burning.
Surprised and shaken at seeing the Other's Mog-ur draw fire from rocks, Marka made a vow to herself; 'Whatever Mog-ur Ayla wants, I will find it, make it, go get it, or pray for it as requested. I'll rush to supply whatever this Others Mog-ur wants and ask no questions, no-o-o-o questions at all...' Uba wasn't shaken at seeing her cave sister start a fire; after all, this was Ayla.
It only took half a finger of time to thoroughly mince a small bit of the mold Ayla had brought with her. "Now we need to boil the mold and continue to boil the mold laden water until half of the water has blended into the air." Ayla said this as she added hot rocks to what would soon become a decoction.
"The medicinal will still be well liquid and will be a concentrate of the fever killer within the mold. It will be ready to be given to Brun after it cools."
"Mog-ur Ayla, how was this new medicinal found?" Marka asked.
"The Medicine Woman from The Clan of the River Neemah, 'Dula' is her name, actually found it by accident much the same way as when I discovered firestones.
"She had mistaken the powdered mold she was experimenting with for the powdered medication she intended to give a man suffering from wound fever. It seemed to be a fever she could not conquer. After giving the medicinal as if it were a tea, Dula was shocked at her mistake.
"She was soon joyful when the man responded to the experimental medicinal and had recovered enough to go back to his family just four moons later. It was this mold medicinal that saved my mate's life."
"How did this Medicine Woman know of your mates need?"
"Some renegade Others hunters had beaten a Clan hunter and had broken his leg. The man was unconscious and in the bottom of a storage pit when I found him at nineteenth cave. My mate and I put the man on a pole drag to take him away from where the renegades had left him. This was because the renegades told the leader of the cave that they would return for the man then torture and kill him. Just after the man was placed on a pole drag, the renegades returned for the mixed blood man, but we stopped the small band of raiders from taking him.
"The mixed blood man was a Clan hunter named 'Groog' and was from the Clan of the River Neemah. We went to the lands of the Chimu and took Groog with us to a Chimu cave. The distance between our two tribes was minor and bringing him with us safeguarded his life and allowed time for his broken leg to heal. My mate became ill from an injury and my medicinals had no effect on his fever. Getting well, Groog returned to his Clan. and knowing Jondalar's need, it was Groog who brought Dula, his Clan's Medicine Woman, to me.
"Her medicinal acted on Jondalar quickly and I think it will act on Brun in the same manner.
"I know of only one place where the mold can be found, and I made certain to bring some of the mold with me when I found it as we traveled east in our search for Durc."
"Mog-ur Ayla, where is this 'Clan of the River Neemah?' I have never heard of a Clan with that name."
"Marka, the Clan of the River Neemah is north yet is near my people. They are wary but friendly and occasionally interact with my people.
"My people and the people in the Clan of the River Neemah share a river that runs past both peoples. The Clan calls it 'the River Neemah.' My tribe, The Zelandonii, just call it 'The River.' The Zelandonii people are twelve moon cycles plus a winter to the setting sun from here.
"The medicinal has cooled now and I will use a reed straw to drip the liquid into Brun's mouth a few drops at a time. Everyone has a natural swallowing reflex, and since Brun is asleep and cannot willfully swallow, his body will swallow the medicinal anyway but only if we prop him up, tilt his head back and dribble only a few drops into his mouth at a time."
Uba and Marka assisted Ayla in administering the medicinal. "Now we must pray that Ursus allows Brun enough time for the medicinal to overcome the fever within him."
As Uba watched Ayla make the medicinal, Marka assisted, watched, and learned. Marka spoke up after Ayla administered the medicinal, "Uba, you and Ayla should take a rest and get something to eat. Also, I think Medicine Woman Ayla is very likely to have other friends she wants to see. I will care for Brun in your absence."
….
Ayla's return to The Clan of the Cave Bear was all the people could talk about. Both men and women were conversing among their gender. Many were in disbelief, many doubted, and many were giddy with joy. Those presenting faces of joy were invariably women who knew Ayla well.
They were friends with her during her time with the Clan. Many of her old friends were still living but some had passed to the Spirit World as would be expected. The people have been told Brun would likely go to the Spirit World soon; his passing would sadden an otherwise happy time.
Word of Uba giving Brun's care over to Ayla and Ayla's accepting Brun to be under her care spread quickly. "Can Medicine Woman Ayla help Brun at this point in his death?" one woman signed. Adding to that, another woman signed, "Brun breathes, but his breathing is harsh, and his body is frail; he cannot become well when he is clearly at death's door."
"Medicine Woman Uba and helper Marka haven't been able to stop the evil spirit consuming Brun, so I would think Mog-ur Ayla would fare no better," signed a frail man who himself would likely follow Brun; old age was his disease.
Ayla's defeat of the Death Curse Mog-ur Goov had placed on her was remarkable and was well-received by her people. Daylight was nearly gone when Ayla and Uba returned. Marka saw the pair then ran to them and signed, "Uba, Uba, Brun's fever has broken! His skin is much cooler now and he is breathing and resting easier!"
This didn't fully surprise Ayla but Uba couldn't believe it. Rushing to Brun, Uba placed her hand on his forehead. "His fever has broken!" Uba signed excitedly. As would be expected, Ayla also went to Brun and confirmed what Marka and Uba had said. Pleased with what had happened, Ayla stepped outside to offer The Great Earth Mother thanks for what She had wrought.
The following morning it appeared Ursus was answering Ayla's offer of thanks when Jaradal and Bandoman downed four deer. This was truly becoming a time of joy for the people. Normally only women transported downed game but, in this case and in joy of the two Others hunters downing four bucks, the four Clan hunters that had followed the Others hunters each picked up a kill and carried the dead animals back to the central hearth.
The following morning Ayla saw Hunt Leader Jonacas and his lifetime mate Lindra approaching along with Mog-ur Goov. Jonacas and his mate left Mog-ur Goov once he reached the Others Mog-ur.
The two Mog-urs recognized each other even after a lifetime of separation. "Mog-ur Ayla, I know Brun is near death and we wish to see him before he breathes his last breath."
"Mog-ur Goov, I believe Brun is getting well now and should be able to speak with you in two or three moons, but how did you know I am an Others Mog-ur?"
"Your son told us, and it is now common knowledge. Even so, I saw Brun yesterday and I doubt he will live more than two or three moons."
"Goov, you need to know that Uba, Marka, and I made a new medicinal that quickly broke Brun's fever. His breathing is much better, and he is resting comfortably now, he should live again."
"Mog-ur, make some more of that medicinal just in case I need it someday!" This was signed showing both humor and gratitude in the statement.
Goov now walked into Uba's hearth with Ayla. "Uba, Mog-ur Ayla says Brun should live again. Is this possible?"
"What Ayla, I mean Mog-ur Ayla, has told you is true, but right now Brun is out hunting for deer." Growing up in the Clan together, Uba was so familiar with Ayla she initially slipped up and referred to Ayla by name only instead of title… then name.
"WHAT? Just yesterday he was..." Uba was happy, Brun was getting better with every finger of time and in her joy of the event, she had given one of her rare teases. Goov had stopped mid-sentence when he realized he fell for Uba's tease. "Really Uba, will Brun live again?" Goov was genuinely concerned for his friend.
"Yes, I believe so, it appears Brun will come back to us soon." Uba was pleased to be able to sign the words.
"Then Brun WILL live again as Mog-ur Ayla says?" Goov was searching for a definite 'yes or no' answer.
"I will live again Goov, you owe me too many favors for me to die." Brun had signed weakly while laying on a sleeping fur spread over straw padding. He had awakened and seen all that Goov and Uba had signed.
"Brun! You are alive!"
"Yes, Goov, for now I live again." Brun's signing was slow but coherent.
"Marka, bring some broth for Brun, he lives again!" Uba was fully joyful as was Ayla. The best leader Ayla had ever known was with her again.
"Brun, you probably don't recognize me, but I am Ayla. I too still live, and I am joyful for your return to life."
"I know it is you Ayla as I can see a hunters mark on your throat; no other female bears it. I also know that I owe my life to you, and I want you to know I am fully pleased that you still live."
"Everyone out except Marka, Brun needs nourishment and rest!" Uba was serious and forceful in her command and ushered everyone out.
"Brun, Uba is right, we need to let you rest," Ayla signed. She was pleased Brun still had his mind even in his old age and infirmity. In this short time Goov didn't even have a chance to wish his old friend and leader well. Beyond that, he didn't even have time to voice a protest at being ordered out by a woman.
Goov and Uba had developed a history of caring for each other and had shared kisses more than once over the winters. The two respected each other; there would be no protest.
Brun emerged from Uba's hospital five moons later. The former leader saw his people signing words of encouragement and honoring him as he walked to his hearth. Uba, Ayla, and Marka had successfully kept everyone away and had done so until Brun was ready to return to his cave.
After leaving his bedside, Ayla did not push to meet with Brun. Her thoughts were concise, 'When Brun feels ready to speak of matters, he will contact me.'
….
Jaradal and Bandoman were at ease by now in that they realized they had no reason to fear these Clan people. Upon leaving the Zelandonii to travel east with Ayla, the two men only knew the signs used by the Clan's hunters and that was only because Ayla had taught the Ninth Cave's hunters the signs and the signs were passed along to all the other Zelandonii caves. The two men knew a few other signs such as 'I need water' and 'I need food.'
This only took care of the basic needs of a human being and not much more. Ayla and Durcan had taught them more sign language every day of the entire trip to the East.
The search had already been good for both men, and now living within the Clan, they would pick up even more of the language on a daily basis for however long Ayla wanted to stay.
It would be Ayla who decides when to head back to the Zelandonii. The concentrated efforts in teaching them to sign was beneficial and the time spent living with the Clan, provided them even better fluency in the language. This dispelled the unease the men had before traveling to Clan lands.
When it came to signing, Jaradal and Bandoman were nearly adults; Jondalar was at the level of an eight-summer child. The ability to sign that Bandoman and Jaradal were exhibiting was well beyond what Jondalar knew. He was somewhat conversant, and it wasn't that he was stupid or unable to learn, he simply had no desire to learn the language beyond what he already knew. 'I know enough to get by,' was his standard answer when a hunter or someone else asked him about it.
Their new knowledge of body language and mannerisms would also give Jaradal and Bandoman an advantage when playing games of chance. They could read an opponent's mannerisms and determine if their opponent was bluffing or was certain of his bet. It also allowed them to discern a man's nature and the level of honesty and sincerity in what he says.
The ability to sign would prove valuable for the rest of their lives.
They would be able to sign openly between themselves when at the ninth cave or any other cave without anyone understanding what they were saying. If they wanted to, they could even abbreviate their signing, and no one would even know communication was taking place. After reaching the Zelandonii, the two men would qualify as skilled translators whenever the need may come about.