A Moment of Eternity

by zzzaney

Ayla and Jondalar have finally reached the 9th cave of the Zelandoni.....but have they reached home?

2. A Moment of Eternity part 2

~~~~~~

Jondalar wrapped a fur around Ayla as she slept at the edge of Ranec's sleeping platform. The carver was still alive, but none knew if he'd regain consciousness, let alone be able to walk again. It had taken Ayla and Nadkar half the night of try and repair the damage, and finally Nadkar had returned to her hearth when there was nothing more that could be done.
Jondalar sighed as he looked down at his beautiful woman, then over to Ranec. He knew she would push herself unmercifully until Ranec shown improvement. Deciding to surprise her, Jondalar started to make her breakfast with the tea she liked so well in the mornings.
Checking on Tholiza, he was still satisfied she wouldn't be waking up soon. Going back to the fire, he was unaware of dark eyes on him until he turned to look at Ranec. Freezing, it took Jondalar only a moment to go to his side.
"How are you feeling Ranec?" He whispered in Mamutoi.
Ranec stared at him for the longest, and Jondalar could see a fine sheen of sweat across his forehead. Reaching down to check him, he jumped back when Ranec screamed.
Ayla was startled awake, and looked around disoriented trying to figure out what was wrong. She scrambled to Ranec who was thrashing about, screaming 'NO' over and over.
"Jondalar, hold his legs down! He'll tear out the stitches!" Ayla yelled as she leaned her weight across his chest.
"Ranec, it's all right. You're with friends. It's me, Ayla, Ranec!" Alya tried to get through to him, and she could tell he was suffering from a fever. Even through her tunic she could feel the heat from his body.
Ranec finally turned wide-eyes to her and screamed even louder. Most of the cave had waken from the loudness and some gathered around. Ayla was instructing Nadkar to bring some of the tea she'd made the night before quickly. With help from a few others, they managed to force Ranec to drink some.
It didn't take long for him to calm down somewhat, and Ayla frowned at the words she was now able to understand.

Ranec woke feeling disoriented, and wondered if this was what the afterlife was like. Was he in the spirit world? If so, where was the Mother? Looking towards the fire, he saw someone and relaxed. He wasn't alone after all. When the man turned, Ranec knew he had to have been punished by the Mother. He was in the underworld! His demons would follow him for all eternity! He screamed as it neared him, and tried to fight it off. What had he done to provoke her wrath? When another demon appeared, looking like Ayla, he knew his spirit would never rest. He had to get away from them! He fought as hard as he could while the demons laughed at him. Fighting with all he was worth, Ranec was forced to drink a vile brew, poison he surmised, and soon everything went dark again. He pleaded with the mother until the end though..
"Why? What have I done to you? Oh Mother I'm sorry for every loving her! Please....no underworld....beg you...."

Ayla was taken aback by Ranec's words as she pulled the furs back to check his wounds. Most of the stitches were still in place, and she didn't look at anyone as she prepared new poultices for him. Everyone had heard him, and she knew her face was hot with embarrassment. Finally, once he was settled, Ayla pulled a fur around him and wrung a piece of leather in cool water before placing it on his forehead.
Gandar approached Ayla as she looked worriedly at her grandson. "Will he live?" She asked, not really knowing if she wanted an answer.
Ayla didn't look at her, she couldn't, as she thought about it. She felt Jondalar's presence beside her giving her strength. "He's lost a lot of blood, and I've repaired as much of the damage to his muscle as I could. He's running a fever now, and is....is on the edge of the spirit world. The poultices will help to draw the heat from his wounds, and the tea will also help. If he does live, I don't know if his leg will survive. I may have to take it."
Gandar gasped as she sank to the ground by Ranec's head. She lightly stroked his hair as she chanted. Ayla assumed it was something spiritual since she was also Mamut, but didn't ask.
Standing, Ayla walked over to the fire and started to check the supplies she had left. Jondalar kneeled beside her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She looked up with tear filled eyes. "Oh Jondalar, he thinks he's in the underworld, and he saw me!"
Jondalar shook his head as he pulled her to him. "Sshhh.... It's just the fever. He'll get better, you'll see." He offered, and hoped it was true. The wild look in Ranec's eye was one he'd never seen before, and didn't care to see again. Ayla had to have been right. He wasn't totally in this world.
"I'm not sure Jondalar, I've only seen a few people as close to the spirit world as him, and I only know of one that made it back. Iza told me of this happening to some of the Clan. In her memories, there was a man who fought between worlds. With the help of the Mogur, they managed to bring him back, but he did not return alone. The rest of his life he was.....it's hard to describe. There is no word for it in our language. A madness took over him. He had to be fed, changed like a baby. He couldn't understand and couldn't hunt again. The Clan took care of him the rest of his life, but he was a burden. He didn't even seem to know it. Most men of the Clan would have left to die on their own instead of being a burden. The most Iza could describe it was as if he came back a small child. He....he didn't have his Clan memories."
Jondalar rocked Ayla in his arms until she fell into an exhausted sleep. Looking at Ranec again, he knew that if the dark man didn't make it, Ayla would blame herself.

~~~~~~~~

Two days later, Jondalar, Nadkar and Karpin all managed to get Ayla to leave the cave. She had refused to leave Ranec's side, feeling responsible for him. Jondalar had taken her riding with Tholiza as well as the cats and Wolf. They all needed a few hours to themselves.
Nadkar had promised to stay right by Ranec's side, and send someone immediately if anything happened. She was concentrating on stitching a new tunic when she heard a sound from Ranec.
Nadkar quickly went to him, feeling his head. "Ranec, can you hear me?" She asked, and smiled when his eyelids fluttered open. Turning around, spied who she was looking for.
"Karpin, Ranec's awake. Get Ayla." Turning to Ranec again, she was pleased to see his fever down. "Ranec, it's all right. You're safe now. Do you remember what happened?"
Ranec tried his best to focus on the older woman. The wooden rings she wore around her neck clicked as she bustled about him. Try as he might, he couldn't seem to remember.

"Don't worry, Ayla will be back soon. She's been taking care of you." Nadkar informed him.

Ranec closed his eyes as the sound of her name made the memories come rushing back. He remembered why he was at the river that night, and the hyena. How did he get here? He could have sworn he was in the spirit world, being punished.
"Hyena." He managed to croak out, and Nadkar held his head as she gave him some cooled tea.
Feeling it was easier to speak now, Ranec was about to ask how long it'd been when Gandar approached, supported by Finlatar.

"Ranec, you're back with us! Thank Artan! I thought I'd lost you." She bent down and kissed his forehead, causing him to smile. Despite everything he'd been through since arriving, she'd always been there for him.
"I'm not going anywhere," he assured her, and sighed inwardly. It was apparent he was meant to suffer in this world.
Ranec looked about him. He wasn't surprised to be at Gandar's hearth, but blanched when he realized he was right beside Ayla's hearth. His sleeping furs were right next to theirs. The only thing separating his head from theirs was about three of his feet and a curtain. Could his luck get any worse?
Knowing he wasn't about to stay here, he tried to roll over to stand.
"What do you think you're doing?" Nadkar admonished as she gently pushed him back down. If she hadn't stopped him, the pain certainly would have.
Embarrassed when he realized most of the cave was watching him, he managed to stammer, "I...I was just...I needed to...."
Gandar smiled at Nadkar as they nodded knowingly. Most of those around him also took note and after giving a word of encouragement, left to give him some privacy.
Nadkar reached over for a tightly woven basket and Ranec's eyes grew wide. Pulling the furs tightly against him, he shook his head. "I changed my mind, not right now."
Nadkar tried not to smile at his discomfort and discretely placed it on the floor. Pain flitted across Ranec's features and she poured more tea.
"Here, this will help with the pain."
Ranec took a few more sips and felt his eyes growing weary. Within minutes, he was fast asleep.

Ayla practically ran into the cave. "How is he?" She breathlessly asked as she checked him over.
Nadkar smiled from ear to ear. "He was awake. And talking. He said it was a hyena that attacked him. I'm surprised about that. There aren't too many of those around here. I assumed it was a wild boar."
"Did he say if anything was bothering him more than others?"
"No. I could tell he did have pain though, and gave him tea. He tried to stand, said he had to relieve himself, but I wouldn't let him get up."
Ayla nodded as she checked his side, then drew the furs down to examine his thigh. They still hadn't dressed him since cutting his clothes off, and Ayla realized that his tunic would have to be repaired and cleaned.
She washed him down as best she could, then turned her attention to his clothes. She was still puzzled how he could have sustained such an injury without tearing his pants. There was much blood, and she thought it would be best to clean them before he woke again and needed them. Not wanting to leave his side, she readied a large basket of water, and dug out some soap root. As she was about to dip them into the basket, she did a double take.
Was that? No, it couldn't be......Ayla looked closer and felt her face grow red. At least she now knew why his pants weren't torn. Glancing at Ranec, she wondered who he had been thinking of during....
Not being able to finish the thought, Ayla quickly dunked the pants and began scrubbing, trying to think of other things.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ranec opened his eyes to see a pair of concerned blue ones looking back at him. Ayla smiled as she waited for his drowsiness to wear off.
"How are you feeling?"
Ranec looked around the cave as best he could from his position. When he looked back at Ayla, she was holding a cup waiting patiently.
"This will help with the pain, but it won't make you sleepy." She helped to support his head while he took a few sips.
"I've been hoping you'd wake up. I need to check you and ask you a few questions, ok?"
Ranec shifted uncomfortably as he thought of his options. Really he didn't have any. Sighing, he nodded his ascent and regretted it almost immediately when Ayla closed the curtain and pulled the furs off him.
The air on his skin reminded him he was totally naked, and he tried to think of anything to hide his embarrassment.
"Would you try and move your toes for me? I know it will be painful, but try."
Ranec was brought back to reality as he thought of his injuries. As soon as he tried to move his toes, he regretted it. The pain that shot through him was immense and he couldn't help but give voice to it.
"That's ok. Try and relax. Just tell me if you can feel this." Ayla took a thread puller and pushed lightly on the insole of his foot, her eyes never leaving Ranec's face.
"Anything?"
He shook his head no and she tried another area. Still nothing. Ayla tried different parts of his leg, moving upward and was slightly relieved when he acknowledged he felt something near his groin.
Not giving anything away with her expressions, Ayla then concentrated on his two wounds, changing the poultices. Once she was finished, she replaced the covers and sat on the edge of his furs.
Neither knew quite what to say. It was the first time Ayla could remember being alone with Ranec, awake, since they'd arrived. What was there to say?
She finally settled on, "You still have a lot of healing to do."
Ranec cleared his throat, "how soon can I go back to my own hearth?"
"Not for awhile. We all thought we'd lost you. For now, it's best to be where I can treat you better. And Gandar will be more relieved to have you near also."
Ranec nodded and tried to focus on anything but Ayla.
"Are you hungry? It's been almost 4 days since you've eaten. If not, I can make you some more tea."
"Maybe some tea."
Ayla breathed a sigh of relief and went about preparing him a fresh cup. She did have other tea warming, but she felt they both needed the time to think. Once it was cooled enough, she turned back to him and helped support him again.
"Thank you." Ranec quietly whispered.
Ayla nodded and once again the two sat in silence. It was only mid morning, and everyone was outside taking care of drying the meat from the latest hunt.
"I still have the carving of Whinney you made for me." Ayla said as way of an opener.
"I'd forgotten all about that." Ranec answered monotone. Truth be told, it was one of the last things he'd ever made that he put his soul into. During his travels he hadn't had much time to carve, or motivation. When he'd arrived, he was at first relieved that he'd found his mother's people, and that he had close kin.
He had been impressed with the skill of the artists, and began again with renewed fervor. It didn't take long for his joy to diminish. Though he'd always been a good hunter, and one of the best carvers among the Mamutoi, here, he was just another member. His status was determined to be one of the lowest in the cave. Ranec scoffed to himself, who was he kidding? He WAS the lowest ranked in the cave.
Even though Gandar was his mother's mother, and Mamut, he didn't have any remarkable skills to offer for himself. Even though he'd showed them the firestones and the threadpuller, as well as spear thrower, he hadn't been the one who'd invented them.
He knew that Karpin was hesitant to accept him, but Gandar had argued that he was blood. As such, he didn't need acceptance, he already belonged. Most of the people were nice enough to him, but he knew it wasn't enough. He couldn't even convince a woman to share his furs except on the rare mother's festival. Here, black was still 'rare' and he was lighter than most. What was attractive to the women here were darker men. The darker the man, the more attractive.
Ranec glanced at Ayla and inwardly sighed. What would she ever know about rejection? She was loved by almost everyone. Her status was high, and she would never be a cast out like himself. Ayla was chosen by the mother herself, and no one dared to go against her. He briefly wondered what his life would have been like had they mated. He would have raised her children, they would have held high status among their people. Life would have been.....perfect.
If Ayla sensed his retrospect mood, she didn't mention it. After a few minutes of awkward silence, she stood and gave him a smile.
"I'm going to go check on Tholiza. It's soon time for her to nurse. I'll have Nadkar come stay with you, if that's alright?"
Ranec nodded, not able to meet her eyes. When she turned to go though, he couldn't tear his eyes away from her retreating form.

~~~~~~~~

Ayla grimly sat by the fire as she watched Jondalar work a piece of stone. Most of the mood of the cave was subdued. A warring cave's scout was spotted nearby, and they knew it would probably not be long before another attack. Most of the men were working on extra weapons, spear points, and look outs had been posted. The women weren't allowed to stray far from the cave, and if they did go, a man had to go with them.
Ayla was constantly worried about Whinney and Racer. Though she'd put colored hides on them, she didn't think that would matter to someone who's intent was malicious. She absentmindedly stroked Midnight as she stared into the fire.
"Jondalar?"
"Hhmm?" He didn't look up from the task at hand.
"What will we do about Whinney and Racer? I don't want to leave them alone out there, but really, there isn't anywhere in here they could come, even if it was ok with the cave."
Jondalar looked up into her worried eyes. He too, had been thinking a lot about the battles they'd heard about, and didn't want to experience one first hand. Taking a deep breath, he decided to plunge ahead.
"I've been thinking about leaving."
Ayla gasped in shock. "What? Why?"
"If things come close to the cave, and I'm fairly assured they will, all of us will be in danger. Part of me wants to stay and help them fight, but the other part only wants to get you and Tholiza as far away from this as possible. I know you're tired of traveling." Jondalar quickly added, "but we need to think about what's best for her." Jondalar looked over at Tholiza who was sleeping by Ayla.
The turmoil she'd been feeling seemed to have doubled after Jondalar spoke. "I don't want to leave. Where would we go? What if it's another harsh winter? And I can't leave Ranec. Not yet. His injuries are still concerning me."
The last thing Jondalar was expecting to hear was the carver's name brought into this. A fleeting stab of jealousy went through him, but he hoped Ayla hadn't noticed.
"I thought he was out of danger."
Ayla sighed as she stirred the fire. "He's healing, yes, but there was much damage done to his leg. Right now it could go either way. If his leg doesn't improve, it could turn black with sickness and then I'd.... It would have to be amputated."
Jondalar hadn't realized that Ranec's injuries were that serious. True, he'd been in bad shape when Ayla and Gandar found him, but that was almost a week ago!
They both looked up when someone screamed only to see the front of the cave become engulfed in flames as torches were thrown at the opening.

Everyone scrambled about. The women snatched their children away from the blaze as the men grabbed baskets of water and hides to try and douse the blaze. Both Ayla and Jondalar ran to help. There was no 'back entrance' to the cave and since it was made of wood, if they couldn't put the fire out quickly it would become their tomb.
Pulling a hide down from a nearby hearth, Ayla started to beat the fire to smother it. The smoke was thick and dark, making it almost impossible to see anything. There had been a few members of the cave outside, but their fate was yet unknown.
"Get this side! I can't stop it!" Karpin yelled as he too, beat a hide against the side of the cave. More people joined in the fight once the children were at the back of the cave and Ayla could hear screams coming from all directions.
Jondalar ignored everything around him as he tried his best to put out the fire. It wasn't until the last flame was gone, and the cave doused with water that anyone dared to rest.
The children were quickly hurried out of the cave. Though they had been in the rear, the thick smoke choked their lungs. Ayla knew there was much work to be done. Some of the people had suffered burns as they tried to save their home, and some suffered from the smoke.
She turned in fear towards the cave. "Tholiza!"
Ayla ran at a dead run through the opening, still smoldering at parts. "THOLIZA!" She cried out again as she searched the furs.
"Over here."
Ayla turned towards the sound just as Jondalar ran up behind her. "Where is she?" he asked.
They heard coughing and Ayla quickly made her way towards a hearth further back. It was almost impossible to see, and both Ayla and Jondalar were forced to get on their hands and knees. Crawling as fast as she could, Ayla made her way towards the sound.
"Where are you?"
"Here."
She was startled to hear the voice so close to her. Turning left, she found Ranec laying on the floor coughing. He was holding Tholiza!
"We have to get them outside!" Ayla spoke to Jondalar, and as she scooped Tholiza into her arms. Jondalar took Ranec's arm and wrapped it around his shoulder as he tried to stand.
"Aarrgghh!" the pain that ripped through Ranec was worse than searing, but he knew he couldn't stay in the cave.
Utnab appeared from the smoke and took Ranec's other arm as they dragged him out of the cave.
It wasn't until they were safely outside that Ayla noticed Tholiza had a wet hide from a reindeer across her nose and mouth. She collapsed on the grass as another coughing fit took over.
Jondalar and Utnab laid Ranec down beside her, and Jondalar tried to ask Ayla if she was alright, but his coughing was too intense and his eyes stung.
Karpin went from person to person checking for injuries and making sure everyone was accounted for. There were three people missing, and he knew they hadn't been in the cave when the fire started. One was his cousin's son, Toban, and his mate Shakor. The third was their baby boy Tippin. He asked everyone one if they'd seen the young couple. They'd only been mated one turning, and the baby wasn't even three moons old.
"How is she?" Jondalar finally managed to ask.
Ayla looked at Ranec gratefully with tear filled eyes. "She's fine. Thanks to Ranec."
Not being able to control her feelings, Ayla reached over and gave him a crushing hug. At first Ranec was too stunned to think. His chest burned, his eyes watered, and he felt as if he couldn't get enough air. Realizing Ayla was actually hugging him finally seeped through his dazed senses. He tentatively wrapped his arms around her returning the gesture.
"How can I ever repay you?" she choked in a sob.
Ranec patted her back comfortingly as she cried out her fear. Glancing at Jondalar, he regrettably pulled back from her. "
You would have done the same."
Nadkar was hesitant to approach the emotional scene. Knowing others needed more help than she or Gandar could provide, she cleared her throat.
"Ayla, Karpin would like to know if you could help us. Some of the cave have sustained injuries, and Toban and his family are missing. Karpin's arranging a search party but he also needs some strong men to stay here and protect the women and children. Whoever did this could still be around.
Jondalar nodded. "I'll go see what he want's me to do."
"Of course!" Ayla, in her panic for her daughter, had forgotten all about everyone else. She felt ashamed at her actions and looked around. Remembering that her medicine bag was still in the cave, she handed Tholiza to Nadkar. "I'll be right back. I have to get my bag. Ranec, will you be alright for now?"
He nodded as he watched her go into her take charge mood again. Ayla looked at Nadkar. "get everyone with burns in one area, and those just suffering from the smoke in another. I'll need a fire and quite a bit of water boiling for poultices and for making tea."
Nadkar quickly went to do what Ayla had said while Ayla went back into the cave once again.

The mood around the camp was subdued as dusk set in. The reality of what had happened was starting to sink in, and the Poterian's realized that this war had gone to a level none had thought possible. It was the first time that such an act of pure evil had been perpetrated by the other side.
The search party was still away, and lookouts had been posted all around. None of the people could stay inside the cave yet, and the hides were pulled back to help let out the smoke. Some of the adults had gone back inside to retrieve furs and other things they'd need for the night. Small fires had been started about the clearing near the entrance to the cave, and all worried that the attack wasn't over yet.
Ayla was lost in thought as she placed more salve on the thigh of a small girl, around five years of age. She had been by the opening when the fire started, and was very lucky to still be alive. It had been a long day for everyone. All in all, four people had suffered burns, one serious. Almost every member of the camp suffered from smoke inhalation and all Ayla could do was make a cleansing wash for their eyes, and give them tea that helped them cough up the smoke.
Luckily all the animals had been unhurt, and Ayla glanced about to see Wolf with a few children, sleeping on a pile of furs, as Midnight and Thunder slept nearby with some of the older ones.
Standing, Ayla offered a smile to the girl's mother and made her way over to Ranec. With the impromptu camp, Gandar and he had somehow managed to share a fire with Ayla and Jondalar.
Ayla eyed Gandar for any undo signs of stress. She was pretty old and the smoke could affect the very young as well as the old more so than people her age. Ayla settled herself beside Ranec and decided to make them all something to eat. As she pulled out a basket with dried meat, she felt a hand on her arm.
"Don't worry about that right now. No one really feels like eating, and Gandar's already asleep. Why don't you get some rest?"
Ayla sat back and sighed. "Why Ranec? What would make someone do something so terrible?"
Ayla was exhausted and the tone of her voice belied that. Ranec pulled her towards him as he laid on his furs and wrapped a comforting arm around her. "I don't know. The fighting has been getting worse lately, but this...this is something that I don't think anyone would ever have expected."
"Who are the people who are doing this? Are they Arterian?"
Ranec thought over how much he should tell her, then answered quietly. "No. They're Altamians. They live to the east of us. Their people had been here for many generations, and when the Arterian's came across the straights, they said we were infringing on their hunting grounds. There really wasn't anywhere else for us to go. At first they ignored us for the most part, but as time went by the Mother became sad. She stopped providing for her children like before, and that's when things started to get bad."
"Are you sure that's how all this started?"
Ranec nodded. "Gandar told me not long after I'd arrived. She wanted me to know everything before I decided to stay."
Ayla sighed at how silly this entire war seemed. Certainly they'd been through hard times, but it seemed the Mother was providing amply for her children now. Why were they still fighting? Ayla sat up awkwardly. She must have been more tired than she realized. What if Jondalar had seen them? It wasn't as if they were doing anything wrong, but still. She didn't want any misunderstandings like the ones that almost drove them apart.
"I'll let you rest now, and tomorrow morning I want to change your bandages again."
Ranec nodded as Ayla went to her own furs and snuggled in beside Tholiza. Moving to his back, he looked up at the heavens and sighed. Not for the first time, he wondered what his purpose was for being here. For being alone.

~~~~~~

Ayla stretched and opened her eyes, momentarily disoriented. Why was she sleeping outside? Everything from the day before came back to her instantly, and she sat up scolding herself for sleeping so late.
She looked over at Ranec who was watching the others start their morning routines. Ayla knew she'd normally have been up before at least most of these people.
"Why didn't you wake me?" she asked Ranec and Gandar, who was sitting by the fire with a basket of soup on.
"I wouldn't let him. You needed your rest, and there's nothing that couldn't wait."
Ayla started to protest when Tholiza picked that moment to wake and start fussing. As if on cue, Ayla felt her milk come in and picked the baby up to nurse her. She made her way over to the fire as she looked around for Jondalar.
"Did the search party make it back yet?"
Gandar shook her head. "The Mother spoke with me last night. There is a new evil among the Altamians. I don't know what it is, but this was not the wish of the Mother. There is nothing left for the search party to find." Gandar finished in all but a whisper.
Ayla hoped it wasn't true. Just the thought of evil ran a shudder through her body. Gandar handed her a cup of tea and Ayla looked at it briefly. She normally would add some golden thread, but that was still in the cave. Her 'supply' had run out and the new plants she picked were still on the drying racks by her hearth. Knowing there was much to be done, she made a mental note to take some later as she downed the warm liquid. Gandar tried to hand her a wooden cup of broth, but Ayla shook her head.
"I need to check on everyone. Would you watch Tholiza for me?"
Gandar frowned as she placed the cup down. "I'm afraid I can't do that right now. I must speak to the spirits for guidance."
"I'll watch her Ayla."
She looked over at Ranec, unsure. "I know I can't really go anywhere," he sarcastically joked, "but neither can she." He ended by giving her one of his winning smiles. She couldn't help but smile back, she never could. Gandar eyed the two appreciatively. She knew her grandson had a spark in him, it was about time he let it show.
"Alright. As long as you're sure. You're still recovering though. If you feel tired you have to promise to let me know right away."
"I promise."
Ranec watched as Ayla burped the baby, then changed her padding. Finally, she held her out to him. Ranec took the child carefully, and for a moment, allowed himself to pretend she was of his hearth.
Once Tholiza was happily settled playing with a set of knucklebones, Ayla took stock of her supplies and started checking on everyone who'd been injured.

It was well past noon when the search party returned. Many members of the cave ran to meet them, and Ayla was no exception. She slowed her steps when she noticed his face. They hadn't returned with good news.
Wordlessly, Jondalar took her in his arms and held her close. He didn't speak for a few moments, and Ayla decided to start.
"What did you find?"
She jumped when a wailing from beside her broke out and she saw Karpin hug a woman about his age close to him. More than a few people were crying and Ayla knew without him saying so what fate had awaited the young family.
Ayla pulled Jondalar towards their fire and once he was settled, made him a cup of calming tea. He wearily acknowledged those who greeted him, and it wasn't until he lifted his cup to drink that he realized Ranec was holding a sleeping Tholiza.
Ayla noticed where is gaze fell and she saw the look of anger before it disappeared, hidden, as quickly as it had come. Looking at Ranec, he was oblivious to Jondalar's mood as he continued to stare at the little bundle in his arms. Though she was fast asleep, her small fingers were wrapped tightly around his one. He could have stayed like that forever, just admiring her. She looked so much like her mother.
Ayla dipped out some of the soup for Jondalar, and he finally pulled his eyes away enough to focus on the cup before the hot contents ended up in his lap.
"Why don't you get some rest? I'm sure you haven't bothered to sleep since yesterday morning. I'll wake you if anything happens." Ayla offered, and sighed inwardly when Jondalar shook his head.
"I can't do that. Karpin is organizing a counter attack and he'll need every able bodied man." He paused, trying to figure the best way to tell Ayla. He knew how opposed to violence she was. Finally he decided to outright say it. "I promised him he could count on me."
Ayla looked hard at him, her anger barely contained. "How could you?"
Jondalar bristled at her tone. It didn't help that he could feel the carver's eyes on him and he wasn't really in the mood to defend his actions.
"You didn't see what I saw. What they did to Toban and Shakornot to mention Tippin." Jondalar couldn't get the rest of his words out as the mental picture became fresh once again.
"We owe them that much! It was inhuman!"
"So you want to make other families suffer? Will that bring them back from the spirit world? No, Jondalar, it wont. We need to talk with them, find out why they're doing these things."
Jondalar snorted. "Woman open your eyes! Not everyone is good in their hearts. You of all people should have learned that by now." He regretted the words as soon as they'd left his mouth. Ayla seemed to turn into herself as she flinched. He knew she blamed herself for them being banished from the Zelandoni and he couldn't believe how insensitive he'd just been.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean that." He whispered as he moved beside her and took her into his arms. "It's just, I don't think I'll ever forget what wehow we found them. They hadn't just been killed Ayla, they were mutilated. Shakor was.forced before they killed her, and Tippin." Jondalar couldn't finish, and they were both unaware that Karpin had approached the fire until he spoke.
"We found him hanging from a tree! The murduring bastards! He was only a baby emotions got the better of him as Utnab and Sarcab tried to offer him comfort. Ever since stumbling upon the gruesome scene, they feared to leave him alone. He was full of rage, and if he had to kill each person responsible for this crime he would do it with his bare hands.
Ayla paled as a tear ran down her cheek. She had met the family, and even swapped cooking recipes with Shakor. Their baby wasn't even a few moons old, who would do such a thing?
"We're leaving in the morning to attack the Willow camp of the Altamians. They're the closest, and the tracks were leading in that direction. Are you with us?" Karpin asked Jondalar once again.
"Wait!" Alya jumped up. "You can't do this. You don't know for sure if it was them. We should talk with them before anything rash happens."
"You don't think what happened to Toban was rash?! The time for talking is past! I won't rest until every last one of those murduring bastards are in the underworld!"
Ayla placed her hand on his arm but he jerked away. By this time the entire camp had become aware of the exchange and we're waiting to see what would happen next.
"I'm going too." Ranec stated firmly as he struggled to stand. His face was set, and though Ayla tried to still him, he brushed her off.
Karpin kneeled beside him. "Ranec, I know you want to go, but you aren't well enough. You would slow us down, and could even fall prey yourself. It's best you stay here. After all, I don't know how this will turn out, and in case.....in case something doesn't go as planned, we'll need men here to protect who's left."
Ranec knew Karpin was right. He didn't want to stay behind while his people, his family went to war. It was his responsibility to protect the cave. Karpin assumed the conversation was over and stood, glaring at Ayla.
"We leave before dawn. Everyone's gathering at my hearth to form a plan." Karpin spoke directly to Jondalar, who nodded his support.
Once the man was gone, he turned to Ayla to see her looking at him furiously. "This isn't up for discussion." Jondalar angrily grabbed his spear thrower as he left to join Karpin at his hearth.
Ayla looked at the others desperately. Most had gone back to their own hearths and she focused on Ranec. With her disappointment barely contained, she walked over to him, picked up Tholiza and walked into the woods.

I

~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Ayla quietly pulled the furs back and covered Jondalar up. He didn't stir as she donned her leggings and tunic, and then footcoverings. They had barely spoken since he returned from Karpin's fire, and she couldn't understand why everyone was so quick to succumb to violence. She stirred the embers of the small fire as she looked about at the posts. There was one in each direction, and Ayla knew they'd be able to warn everyone if danger approached.
Something inside her kept telling her this was wrong. It *screamed* at her. She startled a little to see Gandar awake and looking at her. The old woman sat up slowly, time had caught up with her long ago.
"I'm sorry if I woke you." Alya whispered.
Gandar shook her head. "Nonsense child. You didn't wake me, the Mother did. She's shown me through a vision what you are to do." Gandar eyed Ayla critically. When the blond woman ducked her head she nodded. "And so do you."
When Ayla looked up, there were tears in her eyes. "What about Tholiza? Who's going to feed her?" She hoarsely whispered.
"Mabkar can nurse her along with her own child. Don't worry. The Mother wouldn't send you off and then neglect your own." When Ayla glanced at Jondalar, Gandar shook her head. "Don't worry about him either. Sometimes men need a little push to come to their senses. He'll come around."
Knowing time was of the essence, Ayla quickly packed a bag and Gandar handed her a bag of traveling food.
Ayla couldn't help but hug the older woman, and Gandar patted her on the back trying to comfort the shaking.
"You have a destiny to follow. One that will not be forgotten for generations to come."
Ayla pulled back and kissed Tholiza one last time before picking up her spear thrower and making sure she had enough stones. Walking quietly to the horses, she climbed on Whinney's back and started out. When she realized the cats and wolf were following her, she motioned for them to stay and picked up the pace.
Watching her disappear into the woods, Wolf whined and Gandar sent a prayer to the Mother. She knew from her vision she'd never see Ayla again.

It wasn't until Tholiza fussed that Jondalar started to groggily wake up. He felt her being picked up and smiled. Ayla never let him get up with her, wanting to let him sleep.
Tholiza's cries grew farther away, and he frowned, puzzled. Opening his eyes, the only one he still saw at the fire was Ranec, and he was looking at Jondalar with an expression he'd never seen before. Most of the people were just waking, and they were going to move back into the cave today.
He, Karpin, and the others who'd volunteered, were going to be leaving shortly for the Altamians. Sitting up, Jondalar stretched and was going to relieve himself when he realized Ranec was still looking at him. Ranec had hardly made direct eye contact with him since they'd arrived.
"What?" Jondalar asked a little annoyed.
"You're so stupid. You let your pride take away the most precious thing in your life." Ranec's voice dripped with venom.
Jondalar clenched his fists and stood over the carver, "You'd better explain yourself, and soon." His voice was low, but the threat was clearly evident.
"Look around. She's not here. Neither is her pack."
Jondalar spun around and searched the camp. When he realized her pack was indeed gone, along with Whinney his anger turned to terrorizing fear. He spun back around to Ranec, grabbing him by his tunic. Ranic's injuries screamed at him, but he held his tongue.
"Why did you let her go? Why didn't you wake me!" He demanded loudly. Ranec put his hands over Jondalar's, trying to pull them off. Karpin and a few others rushed over. What Jondalar didn't know, was that Ranec had only awoke a few moments ago himself. Every morning his eyes sought out Ayla first thing, despite himself. He was so aware of her that he knew immediately she was gone.
"Jondalar! What are you doing? Let go of him!"
Jondalar stared at Ranec another minute before jerking him back down onto the furs. Nadkar rushed over to him to make sure he was all right as Jondalar turned towards Karpin.
"She's gone after the Altamians."
"Who did?" Karpin asked puzzled.
"Ayla. She probably left during the night. She's gone to try and 'talk' to them, I'm sure. I've got to stop her." Jondalar realized he was still standing there and quickly started stuffing belongings into his pack.
Gandar quietly approached. "Tholiza will be taken care of until you return. Mabkar is nursing her."
Jondalar stood as he picked up his pack and spear thrower. "Thank you."
"Wait, we'll go with you. We're almost ready to leave." Karpin motioned towards a man on his right and he quickly ran off to finish preparations.
"No. I have to take Racer. She's on Whinney and we'll lose too much time if we all go on foot."
Karpin didn't like the idea, but knew Jondalar was right. Giving a decisive nod, he put his hand on Jondalar's arm. "Let me give you a map to the Altamian's camp. May Artmis go with you."

~~~~~~~~

Ayla had traveled four days without seeing anyone. She had followed their tracks, lost them a few times, and it took over half a day to find the trail once. Sighing, she slid off Whinney's back and scanned the surrounding area. She knew there were only five people in the raid on the camp and she'd found where they'd camped each night. With Whinney, she couldn't understand why she hadn't come across them yet?
The dense forest had opened up into briary passages, and a few times Ayla had to travel out of her way so Whinney wouldn't suffer. It was hard for a horse who was carrying a burden to watch her footing.
Ayla took a sip of the little precious water she had left. She had left the river two days ago and wasn't expecting to be gone from a water source this long. Perhaps she should just turn back?
Deciding to climb the small outcropping of rocks to her left, Ayla gave Whinney one last pat and the horse nickered before wandering a little ways to forage.
It only took Ayla a little bit of effort to climb to the top and Ayla sat, looking out at the terrain. She didn't see anything from this angle that would suggest the group had traveled on. Maybe she had lost their trail again? Whoever it was, was purposely hiding it.
Ayla massaged her tender breasts. Since leaving, she'd been expressing her milk so it wouldn't dry up. She wanted to still be able to nurse Tholiza when she returned. Deciding to take a closer look, Ayla made her way down the other side of the rock face. As she was about to take a last step to the ground, she heard a noise off to her right. Before she could turn and reach for her sling, her head was slammed into the cold stone and she fell limply to the ground.

Jondalar stooped to examine the trail. He could tell Whinney's hoof prints from just about any other horse. Knowing it was at least a day maybe two old he sighed, frustrated. He should have caught up with her by now!
Standing, Jondalar surveyed the area as Midnight, Thunder and Wolf rested nearby. Normally he would break and make camp, but not knowing where Ayla was, along with the knowledge that there were hostile people in the area, spurred him on. Mounting Racer, he called to the rest of his traveling companions before heading out.

He hadn't been traveling an hour when Racer became skittish and picked up the pace. Wolf also seemed to sense something and ran ahead of the group, followed closely by the cats. Jondalar nudged Racer to a faster trot and let out a relieved breath when Whinney came into view near the base of a rock outcrop. The mare nickered in reply and trotted towards Racer.
"There you are girl! Where's Ayla?" Jondalar looked around the area and noticed that Ayla's pack was laying nearby. Deciding to surprise her, Jondalar decided to make camp.
Wolf's fur stood on end and he let out a low growl, causing Jondalar to stop what he was doing. Looking around, he reached for his spear thrower. "What is it Wolf?"
Wolf glanced at him, whined, and licked his snout before looking back at the rock face. The tension pouring from the wolf spilled into Jondalar. He carefully climbed the rocks hoping to get a better view of what was bothering the wolf. He hoped whatever it was, wasn't near Ayla. He had assumed she decided to hunt for some fresh meat before making camp.
Reaching the top, he eased himself forward until he could see the other side. There were no wild animals, no signs of anything. Climbing down the other side, he could tell that someone had been there recently. The grass had been trampled, and something was being dragged. He was almost at the bottom when he reached an area that was stained red with blood. His heart began to pound faster as he took a more careful look of the area.
Jondalar reached down to pick up a piece of leather, and as he studied it, realization dawned. It was Ayla's amulet! She never took it off, most of the time not even when she bathed. He looked at the area with renewed interest.
Something had happened to the woman he loved. The tracks weren't that old, and with the horses, he shouldn't have any problem coming upon them. Surprisingly enough, though he felt fear, it didn't consume him. Another emotion was quickly engulfing him.
Jondalar quickly picked up the scattered items that had come from Ayla's amulet and retraced his steps. He'd have to take the horses around the rocks, but he knew which direction they were heading in. He would find who was responsible for this and anger flashed from his eyes as he thought, 'not even Doni would be able to help them when he did.'

Ayla heard voices around her and tried to open her eyes. Her head was pounding and she couldn't fathom why she felt so bad. When she tried to sit up, she realized her hands were tied together. She lifted them to her head and touched something sticky.
Where was she? She managed to open her one eye, but her other was swollen shut. Licking her lips, she realized she was thirsty and tried to get someone's attention. There were a few men nearby and she tried to speak. When no sound came out, she cleared her throat and tried again.
One of the men glanced in her direction, but turned back to the others he was talking with. Ayla rolled on her side and sat up. Her arms were cut up badly, and she could tell her back wasn't much better.
She couldn't seem to remember anything. What had she done to make these people punish her so? Certainly it must have been severe. Her breasts hurt and she looked down to see her tunic soiled. Wet spots were leaking through the leather. Puzzled, she reached up and touched one. The ache in her breast reverberated throughout her and she leaked some more.
Apparently her actions caught the attention of those nearby and a few men came over. One roughly yanked her by the back of her hair and ripped her tunic open. She tried to push his hands away, but he slapped her in the face momentarily dazing her.
The man spoke harshly to the others and one of the men ran off. Ayla couldn't see anything for a moment, then her sight slowly returned. She saw a woman holding a bundle close to her, grief etched on her face. The man spoke to the woman who hesitated before approaching Ayla.
She unwrapped the bundle and held the baby to Ayla's breast. Ayla pulled her arms up to hold the child, somehow knowing that it was near death. She could see tiny ribs protruding from it's skin, and though it was weak, it had latched onto her breast. Ayla looked up at the woman who sighed in relief. After a few moments, the woman switched the baby to Ayla's other side and Ayla didn't know what to think.
Was this baby hers? If so, who was the woman? Nothing seemed familiar to her, and she desperately hoped for some answers. Once the baby had finished, the woman took the child and cradled it to her as she stood and left Ayla alone again.
"Wait! Please don't go. What have I done?" Ayla called after her, but she didn't turn around.
Her head kept pounding and she wished she had something, anything to drink. Looking around, she realized that she was in the middle of some kind of camp. There was a cave to her left and some tents were set up almost in a circle. Ayla was sitting in the middle, in the hot sun. Her hands and feet were tied together, and even if she would have been able to untie herself, where would she go? She was being watched by just about everyone. Something smelled familiar to her, but she couldn't find a memory for it. It was like like there was salt on the air?
Her head was pounding worse, and no one would acknowledge her though she tried talking to them more than once. Laying down on the ground, she let the darkness take her again.

~~~~~

Ayla felt herself being lifted by her arms as she was dragged across the ground. She managed to open her eyes enough to see it was now dusk. The ground was still warm though, so she knew it couldn't have been too long since she slept.
The two men placed her on a fur that was on the ground inside one of the tents. The woman who'd brought the baby to her earlier was there, and once the men left, she hurried over to Ayla.
Turning her over, the woman cradled Ayla's head in her lap as she took the stomach of a bore and held it to Ayla's lips. Once Ayla realized it was water, she took big gulps trying to quench her thirst. She passively laid there while the woman cleaned her wounds and made her a plate of food. Looking out of the tent, Ayla could see a guard posted.
She wished that her hands would be untied, but the woman didn't show any inclination of doing so. Her wrists and ankles were being rubbed raw, and Ayla looked down at her bare feet. There were brush burns on the tops of them that traveled up her legs. The woman came over with the baby again and Ayla took it from her, placing it to her breast. She somehow knew that's what she was supposed to do. Chaos ran rampant in her mind. Some things she just *knew*, but others she shook her head trying to sort everything out.
The woman sat in front of her, staring at the nursing baby intently. Ayla realized that the infant was a boy and she started to rock back and forth, humming a monotone tune. She didn't know why she did it, but somehow if felt right.
|Ayla decided to try and speak to the woman again. "Is this my son?"
The woman looked at her puzzled, and Ayla motioned to the child. "What's his name?"
The woman placed a hand on the baby and spoke. "Jamin"
Ayla frowned. Was that his name? If so, why couldn't she remember it? Then woman then caught her attention and pointed to herself. "Jasepa"
the Woman repeated her name, then tapped Ayla. She knew she wanted to know her name and Ayla tried desperately to fight the fog in her mind.
Looking at the woman with tears in her eyes, she whispered. "I don't know."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Gandar hunkered over as a coughing fit overtook her. It had come on suddenly, and Nadkar had tried to give the old woman medicine for it, but Gandar waved her away. "Nothing you can give me will help child." She'd say.
Ranec managed to halfway sit up and held a cup of water out to her. Gandar smiled at him and took the cup. "you're recovering very well." She said as she drank the liquid and came over to him. She checked his injuries and was pleased to find his leg healing. She didn't think he'd have to lose it now.
Sitting back on her haunches, Gandar looked about the cave to make sure they were alone.
"I have many things I want to tell you Ranec. I don't have much time left on this earth. The Mother calls me, and I must go."
Ranec started to protest, but she held up a hand to stop him. "I've lived a long life, and it's my time. I want to see my daughter again, your mother. You have much happiness ahead of you Ranec. There will be trials, but our line *will* continue. You must have faith in yourself, and in your love. Don't turn your back on it out of fear when it appears to you. Not everyone gets a second chance at love."
Rance was puzzled at her words, but kept quiet. It was apparent she was stressed and he didn't want to agitate her. Especially with her not feeling well.
"The moon just reached it's first turn. When it's full, you must take Tholiza to Ayla. Do you understand?"
"Take her where? How?"
Gandar reached for his hand. "The Mother will show you. It's important that you reach her."
Ranec frowned as he looked at his leg. "How will I get there? I can't even walk yet."
Gandar smiled at him. He always was an impatient one. "You won't have to go far. But this is something you must do. There is much that is going to happen between our people and the Altamians. The Mother has shown me that you will help to lead our people into a new time. Be ready for it when that happens."
Gandar then went on to tell him all the things he'd need to know. Though Ranec didn't understand most of it, he listened out of love, and when Gandar became too tired to talk, he made sure she was covered well in her furs.

~~~~~~~~

Ayla felt herself being shook awake and looked about the tent. It was the middle of the night, and the woman was leaning over her, holding the baby. Ayla sat up and tried to flex her wrists. They were starting to become numb, and she bowed her arms so the woman could give her the baby. Ayla nursed him and neither spoke in the quiet darkness. Once Jamin had finished, Jasepa took him back and went back to her sleeping place. Ayla noticed how it was raised off the ground by wooden sticks, furs piled on top. Ayla tried to lay back but the cuts stung her, and she had to turn on her side. She watched the two until they fell asleep again, and then quietly got up to half crawl, half shuffle to the entrance. Moving the flap she glanced about the area. The cave was directly in front of her and the 'guard' she noticed, was barely more than a boy.
Something in her gut told her that she was in danger, but she didn't know from what? So far, no one had told her why she was tied up, and she couldn't understand a word they were saying. If these were her people why couldn't she understand? But if they weren't, then who were her people? Who was she? Tears came unbidden with the frustration she was feeling, and Ayla went back to the fur she was given to sleep on. She hoped that in the morning things would become clearer.

Jondalar picked up the crushed grass in his hand, tightening his fist around it until his knuckles turned white. He knew he was close. He could feel it. The anger he'd felt initially welled in him with each new clue he discovered. Last evening he found one of Ayla's footcoverings, and this morning the other. He could tell she was still being dragged, and knew they must have come off. Whoever had her didn't even care!
Another thought crept into his mind. If she was being dragged, why? Was she unconscious? Was she injured and couldn't walk? And why did they take her?
Jondalar knew the animals needed a break, but he wanted to keep moving. Torn between what to do, he checked over the horses. Both had their heads hanging low, and he knew they were probably suffering more than he. They hadn't seen water in days, and he had ridden them hard.
Jondalar reluctantly removed the packs from the animals and set up the bare necessities of a camp.

~~~~~~~~

Ayla jumped awake from the shrieking wail beside her. She sat bolt upright as others rushed into the tent. Jasepa was clutching Jamin to her as she rocked back and forth, and Ayla somehow knew that was anguish only one who's lost a child could feel.
Not knowing why, Ayla crawled over to her and tried to see the child, hoping to at least try and help, but she was knocked to the ground by the man that had first ripped her tunic open. She glared at him only to be kicked in the side as a response, then someone dragged her back over to her fur. She watched helplessly as the camp joined in the sorrow and her own eyes filled with tears. The man held Jasepa close as they shared their grief, and after what seemed like an eternity, a subdued quiet filled grief filled the air.
A few woman managed to get Jasepa to give them the baby, and she cried fresh as he was taken from her arms.
During this time, Ayla had more of a chance to study the man with her, and she surmised that he was these people's leader. She didn't know how she knew, but she just did. Despite the harsh way he'd treated her, she sensed it really wasn't his nature. He seemed like he didn't have any other choice.
He looked over at Ayla and spoke harshly. Jasepa gasped and placed her hand on his arm, pleading with him.
Ayla didn't understand the words, but she knew with the way he was looking at her, and the woman's reaction, it didn't bode well. He bellowed and a few people came into the tent. The leader then motioned towards Ayla as he spoke causing everyone to look at her.
They seemed reluctant to do whatever it was he'd told them to do, but when he yelled, they quickly approached Ayla and started tearing at her clothes.
She screamed as she tried to stop them, but it was no use. With sharp knives, they made quick work of the leather and soon she was naked.
Her head was pounding again, and Ayla closed her eyes, trying to shut the people out. When she felt something cold being placed on her breasts and stomach, she opened them to see two women painting black spirals around her breasts and abdomen. There was a man with them holding a spear to her throat, and she knew better than to move.
Once that was done, everyone left her, including Jasepa. She could tell from the sound of drums and music that something important was going on, and she knew all she could do was wait.