CHAPTER 2: The Onset

Jondalar and Jaradal returned to the ninth Cave separately and Jondalar sought out his mate after reaching Ninth Cave. "Ayla, you need to know that Bandoman and Jaradal have volunteered for our search. They are beginning to settle their affairs and say they can be ready to go when we are." It was now time for Ayla to find and tell Joharran, leader of the Ninth Cave, of the coming search.

Joharran listened closely to what Ayla was saying and spoke only when she was through. "Ayla, what you have told me is obviously important to you and as leader of Ninth Cave, it is important to me as well. I wish you well in your search and I pray The Great Earth Mother will be with you and those in your search party. You of all people know the dangers. Be alert in your travels, and know that I hope you find your son. I will send a runner to Second Cave-Elder Hearth and they will send runners to each of the other caves to inform them of these things, as is our usual practice in sharing information."

"Thank you Joharran, but I would have you wait twelve days before sending your runner as doing so will allow us to prepare for the trek in peace. Well-wishers would be an unwanted problem if we do otherwise. Understand, they would take up our time and we would likely be delayed in our departure and it is a problem I don't want. I will speak with first Zelandoni-South when we reach her cave; she will act as First Zelandoni in my absence. I trust her competence, and but for me, she would have been chosen as First Zelandoni. Having the wisdom to serve as First, she will tell those in her cave of the event at the proper time." Joharran was pleased with what Ayla was saying.

"Ayla, I will do the same at the Ninth cave." I figure Manvelar of Third Cave-Two Rivers is aware of your search because Jondalar would have told him and I am sure he will tell his people at the proper time as well."

"Joharran, when you send your runner to Second Cave-Elder Hearth, have him convey this message: 'First Zelandoni has an obligation to find her firstborn son. This obligation has been set aside for over twenty summers and can be set aside no longer. She has left us and will be gone three to five summers. Know that first Zelandoni-south will act as First Zelandoni until further notice, address her as such.' Also have the runner convey that the Ninth, Third, and first Cave South, already know these things. The leader of Second Cave will then send runners to the rest of our caves as is customary."

Joharran truly doubted Ayla could accomplish the task considering her many summers of separation and the large landmass she would need to travel. Joharran wouldn't express his doubts to Ayla so he simply said "I will do as you say, and again, I hope you find your son."

Durcan knew he couldn't care for his rideable trading horses much less his untrained horses while away on a search for his half-brother. Because of this, he decided to just give Jonayla and Cambarre nearly all the horses he owned. "Cambarre, I am keeping my horse and four rideable horses that will serve as pack horses and as backup horses to ride in case any hunter's horse becomes lame. Do as you wish with the horses I have given you, even give them away if you like." Cambarre and Jonayla offered thanks and best wishes as Durcan departed.

'I think the time I will be away on the search will work well for Cambarre because people will always need horses and since he is now both a flint knapper and stable owner, he and Jonayla should be well secure in raising little Marthona. She should be five or six summers by the time we get back.' Durcan was reflecting on his getting older. He now saw things from a much different point of view than that of a young child.

After Jaradal had promoted his helper, he and Bandoman decided to just leave what they didn't need for the trek and asked their cave leaders to give what was left to anyone who could use the items. "Jaradal, you are a beggar now. You had little and now all you have is your ugly horse and a spearthrower."

"Bandoman, you are also a beggar. The only difference between us is that my ugly horse is a stallion, and your even uglier horse is a mare."

"Yes, but my even uglier horse is better looking than your sister." Jaradal had lost this round of teasing and both men enjoyed the banter.

On the morning of the planned departure, all five search team members were ready to go. The six from the Ninth Cave, Jondalar, Ayla, Jaradal, Durcan, Sky, and Blackie left with no fanfare; this is what Ayla wanted. It would be roughly high sun when they reached the predetermined spot just south of Third Cave-Two Rivers where Bandoman would be waiting.

Next, they would ride South by Southeast and cross Big River at a known wide spot in the river where, in daylight, the current and depth would not be a problem. From there they traveled to First Cave-south. After speaking with first Zelandoni, the new First Zelandoni wished them well in their travels.

Having Sky and Blackie traveling with them made a well-rounded search team. Anyone threatening a search group member would quickly get an unwelcome surprise visit from either Sky or Blackie or both. Man fighting man is one thing, man fighting man and fighting a wolf or two at the same time is another matter entirely.

Soon after leaving First Cave South-Lance Rock, Ayla's search party was in unknown territory as none of them had traveled the Southeastern region before. Ayla remembered her travel skills, "Jondalar, if we travel the mountain valleys to the east and also go somewhat south as Willomar has spoken of, we can save many days of travel and will likely come across a couple of tribes somewhere along the way. We may even find a Clan cave or two as well.

"Given an invitation, we must certainly consider staying through the winter with whoever we find."

"Yes, but I hope it is a tribe we stay with."

"Jondalar, I know you are uneasy in being with Clan, but you know enough of the Clan's sign language to get by. If a tribe or Clan isn't found, we will need to set up winter shelter in some small cave. This will allow The Earth Mother to shelter us better than just our lean-to leathers."

"What you say is true but my unease in living within a Clan is real. Perhaps it isn't reasonable, but my instincts are present and argue with my mind constantly. If it is a Clan we come across, I know I will get by, but as I said, I hope it's a tribe we spend the coming winter with."

Willomar was the most experienced trader within the Zelandonii. While he was now too old to travel to all the distant places he had as a young man, he still enjoyed occasionally pursuing his old trade. He was now returning home after a relatively short trading journey. His body felt the summers of wear as he began to settle in and enjoy having time with Melodene and their young son, Shankar.

Willomar recounted his thirteen-day trading trip to his mate and then readied himself for a well-deserved rest. As he was eating his evening meal, Melodene began to tell of the goings-on within the tribe. "Willomar, has anyone has told you of Ayla's search party?"

"No, I didn't know she was lost. Has she been missing for long?"

"Willomar, our friends Ayla, Jondalar, Durcan, and their two wolves have gone on a search for Ayla's Clan son and Both Jaradal and Bandoman volunteered to go with them. This is the search I was speaking of."

"I am aware of Ayla's Clan son, but after all this time I doubt she can find him. Why did she leave at this time in the summer? Lion Camp is only four months to the East and she would arrive in mid-summer. I wouldn't think she would continue traveling what with winter coming."

"Willomar, she is not traveling the northern route to Lion Camp. She is taking a southeasterly route she was told about.

"Heading East towards the morning sun is the same by either route but the Southern route will be a new land to her." The words 'a Southeasterly route' ran through Willomar's mind and he jerked upright.

"They could all die if they go that way!" Willomar was now on high alert. "Weeks ago, Ayla asked me about routes that might shorten a trek to the Clans in the East. I told her of a Southeasterly route, but I failed to speak of the snake pits in that region and the snakes are a very real danger. Melodene, if they travel too far south in their trek, Ayla's group could wander into an area filled with poisonous snakes. Their lives are in risk!

"I'll take our horse and... No, I need a much younger and faster horse so I can catch up to Ayla and her search group."

"Willomar, there is no way you can catch up to Ayla. She has a two-week head start! I can see why you feel the need to go but you and I both know you are too old for a trek like that. Even with a fast horse your aging body and poor eyesight would limit your speed. Think for a moment Willomar, your chances of reaching them in time is next to impossible."

"Melodene, I have no choice. Come with me if you feel the need, but with or without you I must warn them." Melodene finally agreed he could go but she would travel with him. She was half Willomar's age and was accustomed to assisting him in whatever he did. Being old, Willomar had developed mild tremors in his hands. His eyesight was still good for seeing things that were near but seeing things in the distance was a definite problem.

"Willomar, we can ride together on a horse as we did when you took me in five summers ago. I will go to Zellner's hearth and ask to trade your old bay for one of his young rideable stallions, but it would be a poor trade for him unless we offer something of more value." Melodene wanted to be fair.

"Yes, you are right Melodene. Tell Zellner I will forgive all of his remaining debt if he would make the trade tonight."

"Willomar, I will go to Zellner's hearth right now and hope he is there when I arrive." With that, Melodene hurried away.

Reaching Zellner's hearth, she spoke, "Willomar is at our hearth and is packing things for a very important trip we must go on. Our horse is old and slow and for that reason, he asks that you trade horses with him. He knows this request is an inconvenience for you and as such, Willomar asks for an even trade; if you would give us a rideable young stallion in exchange for Willomar's old horse, the balance of your debt to Willomar will be forgiven."

"Melodene, my debt to Willomar is far more than the value of a single horse, and to do a trade as you suggest would be unfair to Willomar, beyond th..." Melodene interrupted the voiced protest.

"Zellner, as you say, the value of your young stallion is less than the debt you owe him, but trades are rarely absolutely even, and the true value of a trade lies in the eyes of the beholder. Besides, it is Willomar himself who suggests the cancellation of any further debt. Please, we need a strong, young, and rideable horse, and we need him tonight. Will you do this for Willomar?"

The couple who owned the horse were old friends of Willomar's and in this case, Willomar felt a trade like this was fair. It was early dark when Melodene was walking a young stallion home. She could have ridden the horse but even after five summers with the Zelandonii, she still felt uncomfortable controlling an animal.

No one else was around when Melodene and Rushemar crossed paths. "Hello Melodene, I see you have a new horse."

"Yes, Rushemar, this one is much younger and faster than Willomar's old horse."

"Why does Willomar need a fast horse? He never goes anywhere far, and he certainly doesn't go fast."

"I can't talk him out of a fool thing he says he must do, and he will probably die if he tries it. Rushemar, you are Jaradal's friend and sometimes a traveling trader and hunter, is that right?"

"Sure, I've known Jaradal forever." At this point, Melodene opened up and told Rushemar what Willomar and she intended to do and why.

"Melodene, I am familiar with the area you say the group may be traveling towards. Yes, snakes are abundant in the wet region and three of my best friends, Durcan, Jaradal, and Bandoman, are in Ayla's search group. They don't know the land and the danger is great if for no other reason than the snakes are small, deadly, and are more in number than you can count.

"I have a friend, his name is Artibon, and he too is a friend of Durcan, Jaradal, and Bandoman. He often travels with me on trading trips and he also knows of the wetland snake pits. When I tell him where Durcan and the rest may be headed, I am certain he will join me. The two of us will pack and leave immediately and doing so eliminates the need for Willomar and you to go."

"Willomar won't let you do that! He has already traded his old horse for this stallion and forgiven a large debt in the process."

"...And how is he going to stop me if he doesn't have a horse?"

"He has a horse right here!"

"Not for long Melodene, I just stole your stallion, and you didn't get a good look at me. I think I look like someone you have never seen before and I have a very pronounced limp, Remember?"

Catching on very quickly, Melodene said, "Yes, yes, I remember now, and I also remember the terrible scars across your face. You came from behind me and threw me to the ground."

"Wait a moment Melodene, don't embellish too much, I may be a horse thief, but I wouldn't treat a woman like that!"

Rushemar was grinning during the theft conversation and Melodene was grinning right along with him; the two had concocted the perfect theft and it was accomplished by a man that doesn't exist.

Now Rushemar jumped on the 'stolen stallion' and rode towards a well-known nighttime lover's spot just Northwest of the ninth cave.

He knew Artibon was courting a young woman who lived at the Ninth Cave and figured the two would be there. Normally he would be at the Twenty-ninth Cave-South Face, but there are few boundaries when seeking affection and love. Artibon always stayed at Rushemar's hearth whenever he visited the Ninth.

Melodene returned to Willomar and told him of the theft. She also told him that Rushemar and Artibon had seen the theft from a distance. "I told them what was going on and they volunteered to go on the rescue mission since our new horse was stolen." She felt her statements were 'necessary lies' and spoke them so Willomar wouldn't kill himself by trying to reach Ayla's search party. In the morning, word of the theft spread quickly.

It was fortuitous Artibon and his current lover were each on horseback and returning to Ninth Cave when Rushemar came upon them. "Artibon, I must speak with you immediately. Jaradal, Durcan, Bandoman, Jondalar, and First Zelandoni are in danger and I need a companion hunter to go with me to catch up to them."

"What trouble could they be in? They are all experienced hunters."

"They are traveling Southeast toward the wetland snake pits."

"The wetlands!" Artibon exclaimed. "The snakes there could kill them!"

"I know, and that's why I came to you. I hate to ask you to ride with me but..."

Artibon interrupted, "Rushemar, you don't need to ask me, I volunteer. We should travel slowly by moonlight but in daylight, we can keep our horses at a rapid trot and occasional full gallops. Ayla's search group would be traveling at a slow walk since they don't need to rush, and they would set up camp at early dark instead of traveling at night."

"Yes, and we can cut our sleep time to half of normal," Rushemar added. "They left fourteen days ago and if we travel twice as fast as they do and travel extra time each night, we may be able to reach them before they get to the wetlands."

"...And if we leave quickly, we can get to Big River then cross at early light when it will be safe." Artibon replied.

"Artibon, let's get our travel bags, and then we should stop at Joharran's hearth as we head out so we can let him know what's going on."

Artibon's current lover had heard all of what had been said and she now spoke. "You two go get ready for the trek and I will ride to Joharran's hearth and tell him what's going on." The two men looked at each other for a moment then pointed their horses towards Rushemar's hearth and quickly rode away. They made short work of packing for the trek and were soon headed out.

Melodene told Joharran what was going on and he grabbed a carry pouch and put travel cakes in it. He then went to five nearby hearths asking for travel cakes. His pouch was soon filled to its limits and then Joharran rode to a spot the two hunters would have to pass on their way Southeast.

Artibon and Rushemar were surprised to see leader Joharran waiting for them along the trail just outside of the Ninth Cave. This could only have happened if he were already told what was going on. Another good thing in this was that Joharran didn't notice that Rushemar was riding a new horse, a 'stolen' horse. "Men, I have collected travel cakes for your trek. Please travel quickly is all I ask." Rushemar's statement wasn't exactly true; he had already asked The Great Earth Mother to keep everyone safe.

The two hunters reached Big River and stopped for the night. It wasn't smart to cross Big River in darkness as some had lost their lives trying it. The two men didn't share their thoughts while bedding down because doing so could bring bad luck. This was superstition, but neither man wanted to take any chances. The morning had yet to fully break when the men began to travel again.

"Artibon, we have just enough light to cross the river and then we will soon be able to trot our horses across the valleys. Immediately after crossing Big River would be a good time to break out the travel cakes."

"Remember Rushemar, we figured on just three cakes a day for each of us. They can keep a man alive, but they won't fully satisfy a craving stomach."

"Yes, and we will need to watch for small animals as we ride, and any hunting must be in the same direction we are traveling." It seemed ironic to the men that a two-man search party was now on a search for a search party of five plus two wolves.

Ayla's cadre of hunters were in no hurry. Nearly every day was the same; rise, eat leftovers from the prior day's kill, then break camp and travel East. Ayla's group had plenty of food and usually stopped for a midday break and roasted whatever small animals were downed since the morning meal. In many ways it was a repeat of the morning meal but was no less tasty. Once the midday break was over, they would check the horses for any ticks, cuts, abrasions, and any loose carry straps. When all was deemed right they would start traveling again.

Danger was ahead but that could be said of any wilderness trek. Perils such as predators, bad weather, swollen waterways, rockslides, sickness, and falling on rocky terrain were normal; poisonous snakes seldom got on the dangers list.

Traveling twice as fast as Ayla's group, it had taken thirteen days to catch up. The concentrated effort by Rushemar and Artibon had paid off, Ayla's group was still a full day's ride from the wetland snake pits. Both Sky and Blackie had announced the men's impending arrival and were prancing around the two men as they reached Ayla's group. "Rushemar, Artibon, why are you here?" Ayla asked.

"I'm guessing everyone is okay and no one has been injured." Knowing they hadn't reached the snake pits, Rushemar had spoken with a distinct questioning tone in his voice.

"No one has been injured, but again, why are you and Artibon here?"

"Zelandoni, Artibon volunteered to ride with me so we could warn you of a snake infested area you are heading towards. When we found out the direction you intended to travel, Artibon and I had to reach your group and warn you of the snakes before some or all of you got bitten. These particular snakes are extremely poisonous, and a single bite can kill a horse."

"Rushemar, how did you and Artibon know we were unaware of the snake pits you are speaking of?"

"Because Willomar came back from a short trading trip, found that you were taking the Southeasterly route he had mentioned to you, and realized he had forgotten to speak of the snake pits that would be unavoidable if you went too far South. He was going to come to warn you but needed a younger and faster horse. Melodene would not let him go alone so she made Willomar agree to her riding with him.

"She traded Willomar's old horse for this young stallion and she was walking Willomar's new stallion home when I crossed paths with her. I asked her about the new horse, and she told me of the horse and what Willomar was going to do... so I stole Willomar's new horse."

"Rushemar, finding it necessary to steal a horse sounds like a story best told during a meal." Ayla now announced an early end to the day's trek. "Let's set up camp where we are and roast all four of the rabbits and the two squirrels we downed earlier today. As the meat cooks we can talk more about what is going on. Durcan, would you please guard the horse thief and make sure he doesn't get away?" Ayla was teasing of course and the entire group, including Rushemar, had a good laugh. Rushemar liked the teases thrown at him that evening and managed to get in a few teases himself.

Morning came and went before either Artibon or Rushemar woke up. Their bodies needed extra sleep to begin making up for all the missed sleep both had experienced. Everyone in Ayla's search party understood the sacrifice both men had made in their effort to warn them of the snake pits.

Once the two woke up and had a meal, Ayla spoke with the two men in front of everyone. "Artibon... Rushemar, your efforts have most certainly saved each of us from a very real danger. I can reward you with nothing at the moment, but I promise you will be rewarded. You both faced hardships to save your friends and that hardship has taken a toll on your personal lives and health.

A lack of sleep can harm the body in different ways as can eating little more than travel cakes for two weeks. I am halting our search because you two should not head back until mind, body, and horses are fully ready to travel. You have a voice in this but you will not change my mind. Please, do as I request."

Artibon felt he needed to speak, "Ayla, we can begin to travel back now and ride slowly. You need to continue your search and..."

Ayla interrupted Artibon's statement. "No Artibon, I do not want you to travel. Sleep as you need, eat the meals we cook for you, and rest for at least five days."

"But we both feel fi..." Artibon had started to speak again but Ayla interrupted.

"Artibon, if you were creating a cave out of a mountainside without a break, would you need to rest when finished?"

"Yes, I most certainly would."

"Then tell me how your thirteen-day rushed ride is any different." Ayla's statement left both men speechless and they both snickered. The snickers ended in still-tired laughter.

It was during the recuperation period that Ayla took time to hunt just for the inherent enjoyment of hunting. She enjoyed her spearthrower and had a choice of using either a dart or a spear when using the weapon. Darts would be used on rabbits, squirrels, birds, and large rodents; spears would be used on larger game. The spearthrower spears were the length of a man's leg from foot to high side of the hip, and the darts were half the length of a spear.

If not using a spearthrower, two other types of spears could be used, a hand-held throwing spear or a thrusting spear. A proper throwing spear would match the user's height and was used only at close range. A thrusting spear was the same length but had a larger diameter and was used when fighting a hefty beast or an attacking man.

This was free time when the group would not need to travel. Ayla had spotted a deer entering a dense copse of trees and bush. She would now match her hunting skills against the deer's survival skills and instincts.

It took some time before she managed to get a good angle on the buck and she quickly sent a spear flying. The spear missed the deer by better than twenty feet but there was a reason for the miss. Just in the middle of the throw, she had spotted something beyond the deer. It was something she had been looking for and not found in nearly three summers. The spear struck what had become her new target; Ayla had found the magic mold. It was the mold medicinal that had saved Jondalar's life after he was hit by a dart intended for her.

Madroman's men survived that skirmish but eventually lost the war. Dula, a medicine woman from The Clan of the River Neemah, (Northeast of Hilltop Holding), called the mold 'magic fungus' but no matter what it was called, mold or fungus, the green stuff did wonders for sick people. Her Clan was previously known as 'The Clan of the Cave Lion' but changed the name for some reason very shortly after a Spirit Journey by their Mog-ur. 'Clan of the River Neemah' was the new name.

Mold was everywhere but Clan Medicine Woman Dula found only one type of mold that was easy to process into a medicinal and worked well. It had to be prepared for use and it was Dula who figured out how to make the mold useful. She found the fungus cured many types of breathing problems and red fever, ear, skin, gum, mouth, and throat inflammations and even more important, blood infections.

The deer was long gone now but Ayla didn't mind at all, the magic mold was worth more than an entire forest of deer. She harvested a good quantity of the mold and made sure to memorize the location of the forest relative to other landmarks. This was a good day.

Six days after arriving at Ayla's search camp, Artibon and Rushemar began the four-week trek back to Zelandonii lands. Nearing the Southern caves, they came across Tahma, an old man who lived at Sixth Cave South. Tahma was an extremely outgoing man to the point of constantly irritating Sanree, his mate. He was known to be kind, and Sanree loved him for that. It seemed Tahma's greatest joy in life was helping people to smile. Anytime tension arose, he tended to come up with some odd comment that would ease the tension through humor.

Being Zelandoni of Sixth Cave South was Sanree's calling and after spending a lifetime with Tahma, she generally cringed any time her mate would seek a smile. The reason she cringed was that she never knew what odd thing he might say or do to glean the desired smile.

"Hello, girls!" Tahma shouted as Rushemar and Artibon neared. This was humorous to the two friends and they smiled. "I heard you two went out to warn Ayla's search group of poisonous snake pits in the Southeast. Did you find Ayla? Is everyone okay?" Tahma was sincerely concerned as were all those within the lands of the Zelandonii.

"Yes, we found them in time to warn them of the snake pits," Rushemar said, "But tell me Tahma, did you ever get away from that young woman who was after you because she wanted to have your child?" Rushemar wanted to tease Tahma before the old man had the opportunity to tease either himself or Artibon.

Tahma's concerns were relieved and Rushemar's question threw the old man off guard for only a moment. "No, she is still after me and now her two sisters want my babies as well. Being a good-looking old man is hard on me because I can't run as fast as I used to. You two simply don't understand how many women want me."

"Life can be tough Tahma, and we are sorry to hear of your problems." Artibon had said this in as sincere a voice as he could muster at the moment.

"Say Rushemar, the horse you are riding fits the description of the one stolen from Melodene a few weeks ago."

"That's because it IS Melodene's stolen horse." 'How would Tahma know about the horse? It sounds like Melodene had to stick to the story she had told Willomar, I better play along with this,' Rushemar thought.

"How did you get the horse? Did you capture the thief?" Tahma asked.

"No, we didn't capture him, but at least we recovered Melodene's stolen horse. We happened upon the thief as he was squatting along the trail. We both got off our horses and the man ran into the bushes before we could reach him.

"While we checked the stallion for any injuries or ticks, the man had doubled back and mounted my horse then charged us. We both had to dodge the horse and the charge caused Melodene's stallion and Artibon's horse to bolt and gallop away.

"It took us all afternoon to retrieve the two horses and by then the thief was long gone. The only good thing about what happened was that we recovered both horses." Rushemar tried to keep his answer short. Artibon knew everything his friend had said was nothing more than bald-faced lies and quickly realized what Rushemar was doing.

To a degree, Rushemar's lies supported Melodene's story. Both men realized Melodene had stuck to the story she and Rushemar had concocted to prevent Willomar from going on what would be a fool's ride to the Spirit World for a man as old as he was. These seemed to be harmless lies referencing no one but the phantom thief. Both Rushemar and Artibon felt it was best to say nothing more at least until they had a chance to talk with Melodene.

Walking their horses into Third Cave-Two Rivers was an experience Rushemar and Artibon likely would not soon forget. Questions came rapidly and the two were overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to know the outcome of their journey. "We will answer your random questions later. Right now, the most important question is whether those in Ayla's search group were harmed. We reached them a full day before they reached the snake pits and no one has been injured, they are all healthy and send you greetings."

Hearing the news, a runner decided to head the short distance to the Ninth cave and tell the good news to leader Joharran. Melodene came to investigate the disturbance and found that Rushemar and Artibon were apparently soon to ride the short distance to the Ninth Cave from the Third Cave.

This made her heart happy; she immediately left the Ninth and walked very quickly toward Third cave. After a finger of time, she reached a point the men would need to pass to reach the Ninth Cave. Seeing the two men coming, Melodene ran towards Artibon and Rushemar. Both men dismounted and Melodene hugged each of them.

"I hear you reached Ayla in time!" Her voice expressed happiness. "I have things I must tell you!" The tone in her voice had now changed. Although seemingly alone, Melodene demanded they leave the trail for a more secluded spot. Once away from any possibility of prying eyes and ears, all three started speaking at the same time. Melodene was the first to speak after the falter.

"There is a serious problem at hand. A stranger to our lands was passing through and two of our hunters saw him. They thought him to be the horse thief, so they went to get a closer look at the man. He had bad scars on his face so our hunters surmised he could very well be the horse thief. He had no limp, but limps can get better and go away. He was a good-sized man of about thirty-one summers and he told our two hunters he was a wanderer looking for a people.

The two hunters forced the suspected thief to the Ninth Cave so I could see him. I thought the man was Solaban disguised with fake scars and figured it was just a trick, so I declared, 'That's him! That's him! He's the horse thief!' Joharran and Solaban sometimes collude on ways to trick me and that's what I thought the two men were doing.

The stranger was then forced to go to the rock abri stable. I protested when I realized this wasn't trickery, but no one would listen. They thought I felt sorry for the man and that was why I was now saying he wasn't the horse thief."

With urgency in his voice, Rushemar asked, "Melodene, where is this man now?"

"Joharran still has him in the rock abri stable and he is guarded by four hunters."

"Four hunters guarding only one man! Just how big is this man?"

"Rushemar, they are not guarding the people from the stranger, they are guarding the stranger from the people." Melodene's statement shocked Rushemar.

"Where is leader Joharran right now?"

"When I left to come to you, Joharran was at his hearth and celebrating that Ayla's group had not reached the snake pits and that you and Artibon were well and headed to the Ninth."

Rushemar knew what needed to be done. "Artibon, I must leave now so I can go to Joharran and set things right. Please tell Melodene what happened during our trek and put thought in how to best resolve this mess on her end. Would you do that?"

"Yes, my friend, but remember, the lies that have been told are yours, and those Melodene has spoken." Rushemar immediately feigned pain and acted as if he had been impaled with a throwing spear in answer to Artibon's reminder.

Riding quickly now, Rushemar reached Joharran's hearth in short order. Jumping from the stallion, he asked an older boy to walk the horse to the abri stable so the animal could cool down and he also asked the young man to feed and water the stallion. The boy was pleased to be trusted to do a favor for the personable hunter. Now weaving his way through a crowd of happy people, Rushemar finally reached the leader of Ninth Cave.

"Well, Rushemar, you look very good after such a long trip. Everyone, doesn't he look well?" Cheers and applause were the answer. "The women are beginning to prepare a feast for you and Artibon in celebration of a job well done. Everyone is pleased that you reached Ayla's group in time and..."

Rushemar broke into Joharran's greeting. "Joharran, I must speak with you in private and do so right now." Rushemar had urgency in his voice.

Realizing something was wrong, the leader shouted, "Everyone, go to your hearth and prepare for an evening feast. then we will all celebrate together. Go, my friends!" He now put his arm around Rushemar's shoulder and said, "Speak to me my friend."

"Joharran, the man guarded in the abri stable did not steal Melodene's horse. He is innocent of the crime and I can prove it." Rushemar spoke with firm certainty and urgency in his voice and did so before either of the two men could sit down.

Joharran straightened upright as he turned to face Rushemar; "How can you prove the man is innocent, and where is Artibon?"

"Artibon is with Melodene and finding out what has been going on since we left.

"Joharran, the stranger you hold is innocent. He didn't steal Melodene's horse, I did." A look of shock came upon on Joharran's face. He knew Rushemar was not the kind of man to be a horse thief and anticipated there was a story to be told.

"Rushemar, I want you to sit down and calm yourself." With a wave and a shout, Joharran called to Proleva for tea. She had already anticipated her mate would call for the brew and brought two carved wooden cups of tea just moments later. "Rushemar, now take a deep breath and slowly tell me the entire story of what has been going on."

The complete story took time to tell. "...and Joharran, I swear that is exactly what happened."

"Well, the first thing to do is to have the man brought to us. I will send for Melodene as well." A guard always stood at the entrance to Joharran's hearth and the leader now called the guard to him. "Andem, I request you and another hunter bring Melodene to my hearth immediately. Just bring Melodene, I do not need or want Willomar to be present. Then I need you to go to the abri stable and discharge the four guards. Inform the man he is no longer our prisoner as I have new information proving him fully innocent of stealing Melodene's horse and advise him I wish to share tea and cakes with him at my hearth. If a group of angry people are still present at the abri, inform them I have information proving the stranger innocent of stealing the horse and then send them away. The man is not to be harmed in any way and I request he be treated kindly." Andem immediately did as requested.

Melodene was soon present and approached Joharran with her head down. "Melodene, Rushemar has told me of all that has happened. It was done innocently and with the intent to save Willomar's life with no harm arising from the so-called 'theft' of your horse. As you know, it has not turned out that way and the stranger stands accused of thievery. The man is being brought here as we speak. When he arrives, I will address him briefly, then I will ask you and Rushemar to recount the entire story. When finished, I will ask the traveler what his skills are and who are his people? Where are his people? Why is he wandering? What is the name of his homeland? I will also ask about his past and if he is ill in any way. Melodene, only at the end of all this will I ask you to speak directly to the man. I will then ask Rushemar to speak as well. Lastly, I will ask the man his thoughts in the matter."

"Sir, I have directed your four guards to go back to their caves. My name is Andem and I am here to release you as you are no longer suspected of thievery. Joharran, our cave leader, requests that you be brought to him so he may talk and share a tea with you and two others. Please come with me if you will." Reaching Joharran's hearth, the former captive was greeted as Andem left.

"Greetings my friend. Your spear, belt knife, and carry pouch are being brought to us as I speak. I am Joharran, leader of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii. This man is Rushemar and the woman beside him is named Melodene. The two of them will soon tell you a true story. When they are finished, I will then ask of your lands and other things about you simply so we can get to know you.

"I will then ask Melodene to speak directly to you and then Rushemar will speak. When he finishes speaking, I will ask your thoughts in this matter of being wrongly accused." It was obvious to the man that Joharran was a leader with forethought and structure in his manner.

"Understand, you are no longer a captive and you are free to leave at any time, but I would like you to stay long enough to enjoy a feast of joy that you were found innocent of theft. As such, I will introduce you as my guest of honor. Next, Rushemar and Melodene will tell everyone their story. I know this doesn't make any sense to you at the moment, but it will make sense after you are fully informed of what has taken place and why you were held captive, but first, what is your name?"

"My name is Roon, and you are right, none of what has happened makes any sense to me at all. I will listen fully to your Melodene and Rushemar and can then best determine what I will do next."

"This is good Roon." Now Joharran called out in a loud but kind voice, "Proleva, we will need more tea." Joharran knew his mate would have anticipated the need for more tea and already have it made. It was now that Rushemar told his story for the second time. This time Melodene was telling the story with him. As the story was told, Roon quickly began to understand why he was taken captive.

"Roon, now you know why you were held at the abri. I am sorry you were falsely accused, and I hope you can find relief in this. Now, I would like to ask about your nature and what lands you come from."

"Joharran, I am from a land two summers Southwest of here. My people are known as the Harvan Tribe."

"Why are you traveling and why do you travel alone?" Joharran asked.

"I travel because I lost my mate of nine years to illness some five years ago. I was constantly reminded of her and our life together in everything I touched, saw, and heard. After three years of constant reminders, I was overwhelmed and wanted to be alone in my grief."

"Roon, I am sorry for your loss and I can understand your grief. Can you briefly tell us of your past?" Joharran was wanting to know what type of man Roon was.

"My parents went to the Spirit World when I was twelve summers, and I have no living relatives. As I grew up, many artisans showed and taught me their craft. I learned many crafts, some better than others, but found only one craft I was truly interested in. I can also do some stone knapping, spearfishing, and hunting of course, and I have some knowledge of medicines. I also cook with spices and baking is something I occasionally do. I can butcher any animal, tan leather, and I can even make clothing."

"Roon, what craft do you refer to as being interested in."

"I can work wood to make things and have created a wooden music tool. I have made and discarded a pouch full of them in the process of learning to adjust the construction of the tool to yield the proper tones needed for song. I have become reasonably well versed in its use." Roon showed a touch of pride in his statement.

"Roon, I must ask if you are ill in any way. Also, I would ask if you have your music tool with you."

"Yes, Joharran, I have three music tools in my carry pouch, and as far as I am aware, I am not ill in any way." Roon understood why Joharran asked if he was ill; disease can spread quickly and kill many within a tribe. Joharran was wanting to protect his people.

"Melodene, I now ask you to speak directly to Roon. Rushemar, when Melodene is finished I would like you to speak to Roon as well."

Roon was sitting with a nondescript look on his face as Melodene spoke. "Roon, I am deeply sorrowed by what has happened to you. Please, please forgive my actions. I only wanted to protect my mate and what I did seemed to be a good way to achieve that protection. It is now obvious that I was wrong and again I ask you to forgive me." Melodene was now finished.

"Roon, I too must ask for your forgiveness. If not for my utterance, 'I just stole your horse,' none of this would have happened. I too am truly sorry." Now it was Roon's turn to speak.

"Melodene, Rushemar, you are both forgiven. I harbor no anger for either of you. No true harm has come to me and I can see a degree of humor in all this." Roon now turned to speak directly to Joharran, "Yes, I would like to attend your feast and meet your people and I would also like to know how it is your people can ride The Earth Mother's horses."

Roon now shifted his stance and then continued, "Joharran, no one has asked about the scars on my face and I think the reason for such is that you feel I am embarrassed or shamed by the scars. I am not embarrassed nor am I shamed. I became disfigured when a dead and rotting tree began to fall in the wind. A young girl was looking at me as the tree began to fall and she couldn't see the tree as it fell from behind her. I rushed to her and threw my body over hers.

"The child escaped injury, but limbs cut and tore my face badly. Our Medicine Woman did what she could and at least I didn't become ill or blinded due to my injuries. I feel the scars to be a badge of honor."

"Roon, I believe you to be an honest man and I too consider your scars to be a badge of honor." Roon was impressed with the leader's manner.

The feast was nearly ready when Joharran repeatedly banged the butt of his belt knife on the bone platter before him, it was done to get everyone's attention. The people became silent to allow their leader to speak. "My friends, we have wronged a stranger." Waving his arm outward toward Roon he continued. "This man's name is 'Roon' and he is not a horse thief. In truth, no horse was stolen. There were some deceptions, and because of this, Roon was accused of being the man who stole Melodene's horse. Before we begin to eat, Rushemar and Melodene wish to speak and will tell you the true story of what happened. I ask that you do not interrupt them as they speak."

Joharran was standing with Roon beside him. This would be the third time today Rushemar had told the story and the second time Melodene had told it. Everyone sat in silence and Joharran didn't speak again until the story was finished. "People of the Zelandonii, what have you to say to all this?"

A momentary silence was upon the crowd until the older boy who had fed and watered Rushemar's horse began to clap and shouted, "Good for you Roon!" Four more people began to clap, and the rest of the people quickly began clapping in mass. Many people gave shouts of encouragement to Roon. No one admonished Rushemar or Melodene for what they had done, if for no other reason than the two were trying to do a good thing in protecting Willomar.

During the applause and shouts of encouragement, Melodene spoke briefly with Joharran. Being a somewhat forceful woman, she then took a step to stand beside the former captive. After things calmed a bit, Joharran began to speak again. "My friends, I have spoken with Melodene and have more to say. Roon, you told the men who captured you that you were a wanderer looking for a home. On behalf of the Zelandonii people, I invite you to become one of us. We ask that you accept the Zelandonii as your people."

A spontaneous and even louder round of applause erupted along with more shouts of encouragement from the crowd. It took both Joharran and Melodene to get the people quiet again. Roon now spoke to the gathering, "In my entire life, I have never seen anything like this. That a people would go out of their way to right a wrong and then honor a stranger in a feast of celebration is something I have never even dreamed of!" Roon's eyes were tearing up but he continued to speak.

"I have told Joharran, Melodene, and Rushemar of my life and I will gladly share the same with you in the days to come. Know that I willingly accept membership in the Zelandonii, and I feel I could not possibly have found a kinder or more accepting people; I thank you for these things." Another round of applause and cheers came about.

Now Willomar stood to speak. He had been counseled by Joharran while Melodene and Rushemar were telling their story to the people. "My friends, together you and I have learned of what Melodene and Rushemar have done. I understand it was done out of love and caring for me and I certainly appreciate those thoughts, and likewise, I appreciate the efforts of Rushemar and Artibon in reaching Ayla's group in time to warn them of the wetland snake pits. The reality has hit me that I could not have reached them in time, and their deaths would have been on me." A hush was upon the crowd as Willomar spoke. Collecting his thoughts, Willomar paused for a moment then turned to speak directly to Roon and spoke in a strong yet solemn tone.

"Roon, I would have it that you share my cave along with Melodene and myself. We have more than enough room and Joharran has told me of your many skills. I think your wide range of skills could fill in where, at my age, I am lacking." Willomar paused as he choked up a bit then continued, but he had turned and was now speaking directly to the people.

"Now, I want everyone to know that I took Rushemar's old horse in his absence from us and I plan to keep it since he took my stallion. I consider this an even trade as I realize I am too old to be riding a stallion. Now that he and I are even, he can no longer be accused of being a horse thief. Melodene does not ride and I feel I should no longer be riding a horse at all; I could hurt myself!" This last statement was in jest and caused a quick round of laughter among the people.

Looking at Roon, Willomar continued by speaking to all, "Roon, some summers ago Melodene herself had no people and I took her in. As I said a moment ago, I would have it that you share my cave along with Melodene and myself. We would both be honored if you would accept my offer, what say you?"

Roon became overwhelmed at all that had transpired and began to weep openly. He was lonely and had now found a people he could call his own. He had also been offered a place to live and was now the owner of a brown horse he would soon learn to ride. He now spoke through his tears, "Yes Willomar, I accept your offer." This time the people did not applaud, individuals began to walk to Roon to offer solace and a helping hand in his new life. Roon wasn't the only man bearing tears.

"Proleva!" Joharran shouted, "Woman, how much longer before we can begin this feast? I fear the newest member of the Zelandonii is likely starving!"

"Hold your horses, my powerful leader, the food should be ready shortly," she shouted back. The intended irreverence between the two mates caused a short round of laughter and lightened the mood.

Rushemar had been feeling the need to speak of Artibon and now took the opportunity. "My fellow Zelandonii! My friends! I wish to speak of Artibon now. You need to know that he was a bystander in these wrongdoings and is innocent of the deceptions Melodene and I committed. I also want you to know that Ayla's group could not have been warned in time if it were not for him volunteering in the matter. It took both of us to do this thing and he deserves full credit for his actions." Now Rushemar started a round of applause for his friend.

Artibon spoke as the applause died, "Let's eat!" Proleva had given him a nod and he acted upon it. He wasn't comfortable speaking to large groups, and this certainly qualified as a large group. Once the feast began, Joharran took time to stand up and recount aloud the questions and answers he and Roon had shared. The people enjoyed what Joharran had to say about his conversation with Roon. These were things the people were curious about and leader Joharran knew it would greatly lessen Roon's burden of telling his story to the people individually. The story of 'The Stolen Stallion' would never die.

Everyone Roon met the following day was new to him and he was pleased to meet so many friendly people. A few of the people wanted to be more than friendly, those were the unmated women. "Roon, I would like to get to know you. If you would like to walk with me to my hearth we can be alone there, and I have already cooked an evening meal."

"I have not had today's evening meal yet so, yes, we can do as you suggest." Arriving at the woman's hearth, Roon was pleased with the aroma of roasted venison and seasoned potatoes. "The aroma of your cooking is very enticing!" A statement using the term 'enticing' told the woman she had a chance with Roon as it held the possibility of more than one meaning. The two talked as they ate, and she seemed to be a pleasant woman.

"Roon, I feel awkward in saying this, but I would like to offer a bit of myself as your dessert. It has been a long time since I have kissed or been intimate with a man. Would you do me the honor?"

Roon was now in a place he didn't want to be and thought to himself, 'I have no prior commitment and no one I must answer to, but this invitation is too soon. I haven't been kissed by anyone since my mate passed and I must admit I do feel the urge at this moment, but a meal and a short bit of conversation doesn't equate to being with a woman I have just met. How can I tell her no?'

Roon wanted to let her down easily. "You know me as 'Roon,' but you have not yet shared your name with me."

"My name is 'Patteen.' I'm sorry, I should have told you when we met."

"Patteen, therein lies my problem. I am sorry, but until now I didn't even know your name.

"I am ready to have a relationship with someone again, but I want to fully know the woman I am with. Other than a short walk and a meal, I know little of you. This is just me and how I feel about things. I hope you can understand my reservations. As time passes, perhaps we will be able to reach a place where I am comfortable in sharing kisses and more. Please understand this is no reflection on you, it is simply that I don't feel comfortable at this point." Roon was able to express his true feelings and felt relieved.

"GET OUT OF MY HEARTH AND GET OUT NOW! I cook you an evening meal, we walk, we talk, and then you turn down an offer of intimacy! You are no man, you're just a somber fool who doesn't know too damn much about women... and don't even think about coming back."

Between Patteen's yelling and Roon's hasty exit, those in the immediate area knew exactly what had happened; this wasn't the first time. This was no shame for Roon; it was more a statement of his honorable character. Over the next three weeks, other unmated women either approached him or made certain they were 'accidentally' present any time he was around.

When he was accepted into the Zelandonii tribe, Roon had made eye contact with a woman at the feast. 'I felt a spark when our eyes met and I want to find the woman and speak with her again,' he thought to himself. In asking around, no one seemed to know who she may have been. "I am looking for a woman I saw at the feast when I was accepted into the Zelandonii. She is just a little bit shorter than me and has brown hair."

"Roon, that describes nearly every woman I know, can you say no more of her?"

"Not really, I didn't get to meet her, but she interests me and is why I would like to find her. Do you think she was a visitor and not from the Ninth Cave? Since I haven't seen her again that's my guess."

"Roon, with no better description than what you offer, I would suggest only time can be your friend in finding her." Subsequent attempts also failed.

Roon eventually gave up on finding the woman. Summer was nearing an end and the woman he shared eye contact with at the feast had not been found.

Lessons on how to ride a horse and care for it began just seven days from the day Roon became a member of the Zelandonii. A horse was gifted to him five days after he was accepted into the Zelandonii tribe. Rushemar had volunteered to teach him and with all that had happened since he arrived, Roon was ready to settle down and learn about horses. Within three weeks he was at ease on horseback and wondered why no one in his old tribe had ever thought of riding horses before. He enjoyed caring for the horse and decided he wanted to give his horse a name. 'I could name my horse 'Patteen,' that way I could give Patteen a kiss every day!' He smiled at his own humor.

'No, I think I would be asking for trouble if I named my horse after the woman. Beyond that, it could be unfair to her since I don't really know much about her background. A desire to share the pleasure of intimacy is natural and she did offer and ask nicely... Even so, the way she responded to my statement of wanting to fully know the woman I share intimacies with, shows an anger inside her I don't think I want to be close to. Beside that, if I did name my horse 'Patteen,' some may tease or ridicule the horse or the woman. Such would be unfair and unkind to both woman and horse. Neither creature should be forced to put up with that because of me.' Roon was brushing his horse as he was having these thoughts.

"Can I help you brush your horse, mister Roon?" Turning to look, Roon saw a young boy that looked to be eight or nine years old.

"Are you familiar with horses young man? They can be dangerous."

"Yes, I know horses. I help out at the abri stable and brush horses often."

"What is your name young man?"

"My name is Alder, like the alder tree. My mother told me that I was made under an alder tree."

"That is an excellent place to be made!" Roon liked the boy. He was both honest and innocent. Does your mother know you are here?"

"Yes, I told her I wanted to help you since you are new to the Ninth Cave and still new to horses. She told me to tell you to send me away if I am a bother. My mother is like that, she doesn't want to be a bother to anyone."

"Alder, your mother sounds like a wise woman. Go grab that other brush over there and we can get to know each other better." Alder jumped at the opportunity as much to be with the man as to be with his horse. "Alder, where are you from, Ninth Cave or Third cave?"

"I am from the Mamutoi cave known as Lion Camp. That is where my sister and I were born."

"So how old is your sister?"

"She is twelve summers, and her name is 'Maple.' Roon gave a knowing smile while thinking Alder's father has a love of the outdoors.

"Alder, I can see you know how to brush horses, what else do you know?"

"I know how to gather wood and I can count, and I can start a fire with rocks." Alder had learned how to start a fire just last summer.

"Gathering wood and being able to count is something I can believe, but starting a fire with rocks is impossible." Roon had only been at the Ninth Cave three weeks. He had not yet been present when a fresh fire had been started. "Alder, I can teach you how to whittle wood if you would like to learn how."

"Mister Roon, I don't know what 'whittle' means but starting a fire with rocks is easy. If it was impossible then I couldn't do it. I can teach you how to start a fire with rocks if you would like to learn how." This statement would normally be an insult, but coming from such young boy, Roon saw humor in it.

"Okay Alder, kindle us a small fire then go ahead and teach me how to start a fire with rocks.

"Whether or not you are able to start a fire, I will take you for a horse ride tomorrow and we can feel the wind in our face." Roon would give Alder a ride even when his rocks failed to start a kindled fire to burn. The young boy didn't need to be asked twice, he ran to gather, twigs, sticks, and dried leaves then added some dried moss from his carry pouch to finish the kindling.

Roon now smiled and thought to himself, 'Alder actually thinks rocks can start a fire. I will offer encouragement about 'the next time' so he doesn't feel bad.'

The fire being kindled, Alder spoke, "These are my firestones mister Roon and if you watch, I will start a fire for you." Alder now aimed his spark and then struck the two stones together. As expected, sparks ignited the dried moss, and a slight wave of his hand fanned the fire to life.

Roon was normally a calm man but his calm didn't hold up to witnessing a fire instantly come to life. "How, how did that happen? Are you hurt? Drop the hot rocks before you get burned!" Alarmed, Roon was showing concern for the boy's safety.

"My firestones aren't hot mister Roon! It's the sparks that come from the rocks that are hot and it's the sparks that cause the moss to start burning. Hold them yourself and you will see they are not hot. If you want, we can kindle another fire and I can teach you how to hold the rocks and how to make the sparks yourself."

"Alder, how many others know about firestones? Are you the only one who has the firestone rocks?"

"Everybody has firestones, and you can have my firestones if you want. I can find another set when I walk home."

"Alder, after this I want you to just call me 'Roon.' We are friends now, and I feel you have given me the best gift I have ever been given. I will be using my firestones for the rest of my life and my appreciation for your gift knows no bounds. Is being friends okay with you?"

"Yes, Roon, but my mother says I should always show respect to my elders."

"Your mother is right Alder, and you have already shown me great respect and I want you to know I also have respect for you. I thank you for your gift and thank you for doing as I ask in calling me 'Roon.' It's my name and I like it." The two men had finished brushing Roon's horse and now heard what sounded to be a young girl's voice.

"ALDER... ALDER," someone shouted from outside the abri stable.

"I am over here Maple." Roon instantly knew the voice calling Alder's name must be that of the sister Alder had mentioned. Walking over to where Roon and Alder were standing, Maple introduced herself.

"I offer you greetings, mister Roon. My name is 'Maple' and I am here to bring Alder home. Mother says he has bothered you long enough."

"Maple, I am pleased to meet you! Alder is no bother to me at all and we are already very good friends." Roon paused for a moment then continued, "Maple, there is something I would like to ask you if I may."

"I will answer your question if I can mister Roon."

"Maple, if you were in the woods and needed to start a fresh fire, how would you do it?"

"That's easy mister Roon, I would just kindle some sticks, twigs, and leaves, and then add some dried moss from my carry pouch then grab my firestones and strike them together to send sparks into the moss. Everyone knows how to start a fire."

"I didn't know about firestones until Alder just showed me."

"That must be because you were a stranger from a land not knowing about firestones."

"That is correct Maple, and you are a very intelligent young woman."

Maple was quickly beaming at Roon's remark. 'He said I was smart and said I was a young woman, not just a little girl, I like mister Roon.'

"Maple, I have asked your brother to just call me 'Roon' and you may do the same if you wish. I feel we already have respect for each other, and I am pleased you and I have met."

"I am also pleased mister Roon, but I would prefer saying, 'mister' if you would allow me. My mother says it is the proper thing to say." Maple now thought to herself, 'Everyone at the ninth cave talks about mister Roon and he just said he respects me. 'Mother would like him.' Her last thought, 'Mother would like him,' ran through her mind repeatedly.

"Maple, always do as your mother says. I certainly respect her wishes and saying, 'mister' is simply a word showing respect. In the future, you may omit it if you wish and I will take no offense. As I told your brother, 'Roon,' is my name and I like it."

Now mid-fall, the leaves were beginning to turn colors. Maple had formed a plan in her mind and had colluded with Alder to achieve her goal. "Roon, Maple and me want to go swimming one last time before the weather turns cold. Would you go with us? Our mother won't let us swim without an adult present."

"I can go with you Alder, but not today. When did you want to go? I ask because we could make a midday outing of the event if you two would like."

"Yes, that sounds good. Maple and me will meet you at the pond at a high sun tomorrow and we will bring nuts and fruit is that all right?"

"Alder, that sounds perfect, and I will bring some food also. Tell your mother I will have you back home by early dark." Roon didn't mind doing this for the children.

Whenever Alder was present, more often than not Maple was present as well and the three played games and did projects to help out Willomar and Melodene.

They often visited the old and sick as well. Both children enjoyed learning to play Roon's music tool. "I am happy you two like to make music and even happier I was able to help you in making your own music tools."

"Mother, Maple and me want to go to the pond tomorrow for a last swim of the summer. We need an adult present so would you come? We could make a midday outing out of the swim and you wouldn't need to cook anything. Maple and me have collected some apples, nuts, and sweet berries that we can eat. Pleeezze! The best time to get there is at high sun because the morning chill will be gone."

Alder saying, 'a midday outing of the event,' was odd at his age. Culprit 'A' had conspired with culprit 'B' to get their mother and Roon together. Alder had figured out how to bring them together while Maple figured out the romance since she was a girl and was four summers older than her brother.

High sun was approaching when mother, son, and daughter arrived at the pond. Roon would be there soon and the two culprits traded knowing glances. "Mother, look! Mister Roon is walking towards us. Hey, he sees us!" Sitting in the shade of a tree, the children's mother was hidden from view by many bushes but Roon could readily see the children waving.

As Roon neared the children, Charla stood to greet the man her children had told her so much about. Seeing a woman stand, Roon figured it was probably the children's mother. He stumbled a bit when he recognized the children's mother to be the woman he had been trying to find for the past six months.

Now approaching her quickly, Roon held his hand out in greeting, "My name is Roon. Please, please, tell me what your name is!"

"Two 'pleases' mister Roon? What have my children been telling you?"

"The children have told me nothing about you. Our eyes met at the feast when I was accepted into the Zelandonii and I felt something I haven't felt in a long time. May we talk?"

"Mister Roon..."

"Please, just call me Roon."

"Roon, didn't my children tell you I would be at this 'last swim' outing?"

"No, they didn't." Now Roon became oddly suspicious. "Didn't they tell you I consented to be here as an adult in presence?"

"No, and I think the two have conspired to get us to meet. My name is Charla, and you already know my children."

"Yes, I do, and I must say they are fine children and brought up to respect their elders. Wait... where did Alder and Maple go?" Roon was looking around and neither child could be seen.

"Knowing how devious my two little cave rats can be, they are either hidden in a tree and watching us or they are running back to my hearth and waiting for us to arrive after an afternoon together."

"YOUR hearth? I assumed the children had a father at home. The children told me nothing and I didn't want to pry."

"Roon, I mated and gave birth to Maple when I was sixteen, Alder came four summers later. My mate died of an injury during a hunt when Alder was only three summers, so he doesn't remember his father, and Maple's memory of him is all but gone. "We were members of Lion Camp and I decided I wanted a change. "That's when I tagged along with a guide and trader named Azalakesh; it was he who brought us to Hilltop Holding and soon my children and I became Zelandonii.

"I wasn't trying to escape the memories at Lion Camp, I was just wanting to start fresh with new people. After living at Hilltop holding for one summer, I felt a desire to live closer to our First Zelandoni, so I moved to the Ninth Cave a little over a year ago. What about you Roon?"

"I was mated for nine years when disease took my mate. I left the Harvan Tribe three years later because I found little joy in being there; I was lonely.

"I had wandered for two years when I came upon the Zelandonii hunters. You got started early and I got started late. I am thirty-one years old, may I ask how old you are?"

"I am twenty-nine and that makes you an old man and me a young woman."

"The way I look at it is..." Roon could come up with nothing so he capitulated.

"You are probably right."

"PROBABLY, Roon?"

He thought for a moment to recall what he had just said. "Charla, 'probably' refers to me being an old man. It is a certainty you are still a young woman."

"STILL, Roon?"

"I'm sorry, I obviously spoke without thinking." Roon's statement and impish smile caused Charla to snicker. The two shared a bit of laughter and friendly smiles. "I am pleased in meeting you Charla, and I don't think the children truly planned on going swimming today."

"I agree with what you have just said, and I am pleased to be in your company."

"Charla, should Alder and Maple be admonished, physically punished, or just be thrown off a cliff?"

"I think being admonished would do along with a backup plan of the cliff penalty."

Roon felt good; Charla would not be too rough on her kids and she could see the humor in what culprit 'A' and culprit 'B' had done.

"I think you have things well in hand Charla. I brought some roasted and seasoned ptarmigan with me. I decided to prepare it last night because roasting it at the pond would distract me from watching the children."

"And I brought some apples, nuts, and sweet berries. Alder and Maple picked enough fruit for three people; it seems my children were planning this meeting. Apparently they didn't want to tip me off. I am happy where I am at the moment so I ask; would you like to share a midday meal with me?"

"Yes, I would like that! I was preparing to ask the same question of you."

Roon now spoke of his efforts to find her and of his travels and even brought up the story of the stolen stallion.

He asked Charla many questions about herself, and she asked many questions of him. The two shared a very pleasant afternoon. Centered on each other, Roon was surprised when Charla picked up some firewood as they walked to her hearth. "Charla, why are you collecting firewood?"

"Because it is always needed. Alder has a seasonal reaction to certain trees, and I don't want Maple to go out alone to gather wood."

"Would you allow me to carry the wood you have collected?"

"Very well SIR, you may carry my wood." Charla emphasized the word 'SIR,' as a tease. Roon brought Charla a day's supply of wood every morning from that point on. Charla never again had to search for wood. He felt it was the least he could do in return for sharing a meal and talking with the woman. 'The fact I loved her at first sight has nothing to do with it,' he thought to himself. In reality, the fact he loved her at first sight had everything to do with it.

Both Maple and Alder were admonished for their actions and the two youngsters smiled as they listened to the stern admonishment. Once the children were chastised, they left to play. Charla now sat down and took some time to think. All she could think about was Roon and how much she loved her two cave rats. Roon's thoughtful efforts warmed her heart as well as her hearth.

"Go ask Roon if he likes cooked red beet root."

"Go ask your mother which spice I should add when cooking greens."

"Go ask Roon how much we need."

"Better go ask your mother about that because I don't know what she may have planned." 'Go ask Roon' and 'go ask your mother,' forced Alder and Maple to bounce back and forth between the two adults. Charla enjoyed sending the children to Roon and he enjoyed sending the children right back. The two adults had colluded to get even with the two little cave rats for their sneaky plan to get them to meet.

As further 'punishment,' the two colluded with close friends on a tease. Snipe sightings and snipe hunts were the tease. This was enjoyable not only to Roon and Charla but to nearly every adult at the Ninth Cave as well. A 'snipe' is an animal Charla and Roon had made-up and doesn't exist. The children at the Ninth Cave were in for a long-term tease that even the children of their children would likely be exposed to as the summers pass.

"Hey, I just saw two snipe run into the forest!" someone shouted. "I saw three snipe running around in the berry patch two days ago," an old woman said. "I was able to kill a couple of snipe last summer and they were the best tasting meat I have ever eaten," said a hunter.

Roon and Charla had come up with what would prove to be the best tease of their lives and other adults in the community were pleased to assist. The children were set up for a long-term tease. At the start, this was intended just to fool Alder and Maple, but every child under the age of twelve was soon aware of snipe and constantly looking for them. Someone suggested having a spring, summer, and fall snipe hunt and the children could be a part of the hunts. Looking for snipes was soon very popular in every one of the Zelandonii caves.

The second picnic with Charla and her two children was twenty days after the first picnic and was also set for high sun. Arriving early, Charla had Maple spread out the bone platters loaded with berries, nuts, and fall apples.

She and her children were sitting and waiting for the meat dish Roon was to bring. He arrived shortly after Charla did and when he arrived, she quickly spoke in a very frightened voice; "ROOOON" was all she could say. He could see that Charla and both children were frozen in place and staring at a lone wolf preparing to attack the three.

"Don't move!" Roon shouted. The shout forced the wolf to turn to his left and size up the new human coming towards him. The approaching man was a clear threat so the she-wolf decided to change who she would attack.

"When the wolf attacks me, you grab Alder and Maple and run for help. Don't look back, just concentrate on running without falling.

"I have my belt knife and will fight the wolf as best I can. Do what I say and run quickly when I yell." This was a loud command, not a request. Roon had already pulled his belt knife from its sheath. He no more than got the words out of his mouth when the wolf hunkered down and began walking towards him in slow and deliberate steps in preparation for an attack.

As the wolf continued her approach, Charla slowly and quietly took the hands of both children in preparation for running. The wolf went from a slow threatening walk to a four-step running leap. "RUN!" Roon shouted as the wolf began her attack. Charla had already turned and immediately ran with both children in hand.

As the wolf sprang in attack, Roon dove forward and twisted his body to land on his back. This allowed him to thrust his knife upward as the wolf passed over his head. Roon's two-step dive thwarted the wolf's timed attack and caused her to hit a target that was no longer there. His knife blade cut the wolf's underbelly as she passed overhead.

A pain-filled yelp filled the air as Roon jumped up and went after the injured wolf. The resulting battle was quick and bloody and the wolf's effort in fighting Roon tore her belly fully open where Roon's knife had sliced it. In the end, Roon had flesh ripped and hanging from his right leg and his left arm muscle and was also missing part of his left ear as well. Bloody wolf guts were all over the ground and Roon was well bloodied also. The predator died quickly once the wound was torn open yet Roon was holding the wolf in a chokehold he would not release.

Seven armed hunters ran to the pond and could see Roon choking a wolf that was obviously dead. "Roon, you can let go now... Roon... ROON!" He was going into shock as his wounds bled freely. It took two hunters to force his arm from around the wolf's throat. He was quickly carried to Medicine Woman Jonayla.

"Let me see Roon, I must see him!" Charla shouted. Jonayla had told the hunters not to let anyone into her hearth unless on an errand for her. The last thing she needed was someone hindering her as she tried to save Roon's life. She had to tell Charla to wait patiently and called for the distraught woman six fingers of time later. Alder and Maple were being consoled and cared for by three women at the Ninth Cave and the two children were not allowed to go outside.

Jonayla now spoke with Charla, "Roon will live assuming the wolf wasn't diseased. We will have that answer within seven days and I will be watching for signs of any infection. He will have a limp that will lessen as time goes by and his left arm will be useable but will be much weaker than what it was. After sewing his open wounds closed, I put a healing poultice on his right leg, left arm, and his left ear."

"His ear... what's wrong with his ear?"

"The wolf tore off a part of the upper rear flesh. It will heal but will not regrow."

"Is Roon awake? Can I see him now?"

"Charla, Roon has passed out due to his blood loss. This was good in that passing out allowed me to sew the flesh back together without Roon feeling pain. His body will create more blood and will heal as best it can. I will send someone for you when he wakes. Right now, you should go to your children and assure them that it looks like Roon will survive his injuries. Let them know that they may or may not be able to see Roon when he wakes and tell them I will make the decision depending on Roon's condition."

"Thank you Jonayla. I am forever grateful to you and on behalf of Roon, I fully honor you for your abilities."

"Charla, you are in a position to speak for Roon?"

"We are going to mate; he just doesn't know it yet." Charla's face showed both determination and an impish grin.

Jonayla assumed a matching grin, "Roon doesn't stand a chance, does he?"

"Not if I have anything to say about it. For me, the simple fact he risked his life to protect Alder, Maple, and myself from being attacked by a wolf tells me he is a man to be respected. He is honest, brave, skilled in many trades, intelligent, and ..."

"...And another fifty wonderful things," Jonayla interjected. "Charla, I know the feelings of love and I can see it in your eyes. In five or six days I should be able to release him from my immediate care. Are you willing to care for him within your hearth for five weeks or so? I can show you how to change his bandages and make a renewing poultice. But you must understand; for the next three weeks or so you will need to assist him with personal needs. After four weeks he should be able to walk and play with your children."

"Jonayla, when will I be able to begin receiving some care?" This was said with a smile and in a loud whisper.

Understanding Charla's question Jonayla replied, "When you feel the time is right, perhaps you could suggest he should give you some care for a change."

"Jonayla, that sounds like a perfectly good idea!"

Roon blended well with the Zelandonii. He could no longer hunt but he could still fish, paint images that told a story, and his cooking with spices provided pleasant aromas. In the spring he began contributing to the community by monitoring the pond for safety. He watched the children as they played and swam. Over the winter he had made a hefty sinew rope swing so children and adults could jump from the bank and swing out over the pond and then let go.

Roon's monitoring made the pond a safer and, with the rope swing, an even more popular place. He was well accepted and respected by the Zelandonii men despite his inability to hunt and the hunters at the Ninth Cave willingly took care of Roon's hunting needs. He helped his fellow Zelandonii where his skills would allow and was always jovial and a pleasure to speak with.

Both Charla and Roon realized they weren't falling in love like with their first mates; the two adults were sharing a new love, a love that would develop and grow. The love was independent of their prior loves.

When Roon officially mated with Charla the children were ecstatic they now had someone to call father and the 'someone,' was Roon, one of the most well-respected men at Ninth Cave and the man who had saved their lives.

After the couple mated, many of the women who had felt somewhat overlooked by Roon generally said, 'A man like Roon deserves respect.' Patteen was still using other words when speaking of the man.

In a moment of closeness, Roon asked a question of his mate. "Charla, what made you love me? Was it my kisses?"

"No, it wasn't your kisses."

"Was it my good looks or my superior intelligence?" Charla now snickered.

"Roon, you must have and odd sense of the word 'superior.' None of the things you mentioned are what attracted me to you. It was your thoughtfulness in bringing wood to my hearth every day. You made no demands and were respectful and kind to Alder and Maple. You risked your life for us and suffered greatly. These things reflect your nature and kindness and I love you for it. Roon, now I must ask, what made you love me?"

"I felt a spark when I first saw you and I was captured by your eyes and stature. Raising Alder and Maple to be respectful to others, plus your every day demeanor and personality have shown your character. Beyond that, you stood alone after your first mate passed and I have seen no cattiness in your manner or in caring for me as my body healed. These things brought me to love you.

Riding, walking, and resting the horses, it wasn't until late September that Ayla's search party happened upon two hunters from a tribe of Others as Willomar had predicted they would. Caleeb and his older brother, Jacobi, were the two hunters Jondalar, Bandoman, and Durcan came across.

"Who are you that you would scare away the deer my brother and I have been after? We know you are either hunters or warriors because we see throwing and thrusting spears. Why are you in the hunting lands of the Caleeb Tribe and what is that thing slung over your shoulder?" It was Caleeb addressing the three men, he was the more outgoing and vocal of the two brothers.

Jondalar was leading the search party at the moment and he was the person Caleeb had spoken to. "My name is Jondalar and we are part of a search party of five and are looking for a lost relative. By horse, we are roughly seven-or eight months East of our tribe. From here we have another four or five months to travel on foot before reaching the land we believe our lost relative lives in. The thing slung over my shoulder is part of a weapon we use to down game from a far distance."

"I know not the meaning of 'by horse,' but I do know you should not attempt to travel through the coming winter snows because I doubt any of you will survive a full winter as it appears you have no shelter. My mind sees you starving and cold for lack of food and shelter if you continue." Caleeb was pointing out what he knew to be fact.

"We can make modest but adequate winter shelter for ourselves whenever needed and getting game for food is never a problem. The bigger problems are gathering enough firewood and needed straw grass before the snows come so we don't have to search below the snow to find them. Again, my name is Jondalar and my search party is of the Zelandonii tribe.

"We five offer no threat and wish to cross your lands in peace." Jaradal now reached the group and had left the horses by a creek so the animals could drink and rest.

"I can easily understand gathering firewood before the winter snows come, but why would you need to gather straw? It only takes a small amount of it to kindle a fire and..." Caleeb now froze in place. "Jondalar, I can see two wolves standing behind the bushes you and your searchers have walked past. You and your people must slowly step behind me so I can have a good throw with my spear before they attack us. The hunter next to me is my older brother, 'Jacobi,' his spear will kill the second wolf."

Ayla had briefly separated from her search companions to allow for natures call and was now approaching the group of men. Hearing Caleeb's statement, she quickly spoke up.

"Stop! The two wolves travel with us and do our bidding; they will only attack when commanded to or when they see imminent danger."

"No one can control predator wolves and I see serious danger in them." Jacobi had not yet spoken, and he was now speaking forcefully based on common sense and experience.

"Please watch me as I call the cloud-grey wolf to my side," Ayla said.

"...And I will call the blackish wolf to my side!" Durcan interjected. He was Blackie's pack leader, and the wolf would naturally go to him when called. "Come Blackie."

"Come Sky," Ayla said. Hearing the commands, both wolves trotted from behind the bushes and to their respective leaders. "Sit Blackie," commanded Durcan.

"Sit Sky," Ayla commanded. Tails were wagging as the two wolves sat down. Both wolves were beginning to show their age somewhat in their fur.

"How is it you can command wild beasts to do your bidding? Doing so is impossible and yet I see such!" Jacobi had spoken with authority. Tall and husky, he was four summers older than Caleeb and presented himself as stoic and strong. Caleeb was twelve years old and his body was entering a growth spurt. He would be tall and solid in stature just like his brother and father. Both men were very intelligent, kind to others, and faithful to The Great Earth Mother; these characteristics would serve them well in life.

"My name is Ayla, and this man is my mate, she had pointed to Jondalar. "I am the Spirit Leader of my people and it is my firstborn son we are seeking to find. We would know your names if you would share them." As Ayla spoke, both she and Durcan were now on one knee and petting their protectors.

"As I said to your men, I am named 'Caleeb' and my older brother is named 'Jacobi.' I can understand a search for a missing son... but to be clear, your wolves will not attack humans unless protecting you or at your bidding?" A look of trepidation was apparent.

"You are correct Caleeb, come, pet our wolves, I promise they will not harm you."

Caleeb walked forward and knelt nervously in front of the two predators. "Ayla, I feel as if I am dreaming." Jacobi held back; he had no desire to invite death.

"Caleeb, you are safe, pet them as we do, they will accept you as a friend if you do." Slowly reaching out, Caleeb placed a very nervous hand on Sky and then on Blackie.

"This is amazing! My hands are on two live wolves and there is no growling or even a sign of a predator's nature, how is this possible?" Jacobi was doubtful and still had no desire to become supper for two wolves.

"We took them as young pups and raised them as if children of our own. They think of Durcan and me as their pack leaders and each person we introduce them to is seen as a new part of their pack. Caleeb, if you were threatened right now by man or beast, they would each give their lives to protect you." Ayla was very pleased Caleeb chose to trust what she had said.

"Jacobi, I see a deer on the far hillside to your right; Bandoman, please set Sky and Blackie to herding the buck closer. Jaradal can take him down once he nears that dead tree in the distance while Caleeb, and Jacobi watch."

"Jaradal, let's down the deer when our wolves herd the deer near that old dead tree in the distance as Ayla has suggested."

"Bandoman, I will do as you suggest, and if you can hold your tongue while I throw my spear, we will eat fresh venison tonight. You now as well as I do your aim is poor." The men were close friends and teased each other often. Both Caleeb and Jacobi discerned the teasing Jaradal had voiced, and it relieved some of their concerns.

When the deed was done, both Caleeb and Jacobi stood in awe at what had been made to happen. Durcan and Jondalar were already on their way out to gut the deer and drag the animal back. Ayla now spoke again, "Caleeb, it is getting late. If you and Jacobi already have a campsite nearby, we could roast a haunch of the deer there, if not, we can set up camp here and build a quick roasting fire."

Ayla was speaking to Caleeb and surmised what he and Jacobi had seen was much more than what was normal in their world. As such, it was hard for the two men to comprehend and accept what they had seen. "Caleeb... Caleeb, what say you?"

"Caleeb, dusk will soon be upon us..." Jacobi had spoken his concern to remind his younger brother of the impending darkness. Being straightforward was something he learned from his father, yet for some reason Caleeb remained silent.

"Ayla, we can all camp right where we are and when camp has been set, I would ask how all the things that just happened have come about. The first thing I want to gain knowledge of is your weapon that throws spears to kill distant game. I have never seen such and now understand how you can say getting game is never a problem. As always, starting a fire in the wilderness will take some time. We can kindle a roasting fire and hope for the best in starting it to burn." Jacobi's reply caused Ayla to smile.

"Jaradal and Bandoman will help you and Caleeb gather wood for the roasting fire and once kindled, we can have it burning in about the same amount of time as Jaradal's spear took to reach the deer."

"Ayla, you have a hot ember with you?"

"No, Jacobi, I have no ember, yet I will start a fresh fire in that much time. The Zelandonii know how to do things beyond what is considered normal."

Jacobi spoke and again voiced the obvious. "Ayla, controlling the wolves we can perhaps understand, even your weapon and its spears. These are abilities and skills you have somehow learned, but fire is of The Great Earth Mother and She makes us work long and hard before bringing about the smoke that starts a fire. These are things of certainty and known to all."

Ayla now spoke in a jovial and kind manner. "Jacobi, take charge of kindling us a fire after the needed wood is collected, then I would ask you to point to anyone among my group as the person who you would like to see bring your kindling to flame."

All the men except Durcan, worked together and quickly gathered wood. Ayla had asked her son to work with her in clearing a spot for what would soon be a good-sized roasting fire. When the wood was at hand, Jacobi kindled the fire and then pointed to Jondalar. Stepping forward, Ayla's mate knelt by the kindled wood and, using firestones, quickly started the dried moss, leaves, and twigs burning. Both Jacobi and Caleeb froze when a puff of smoke became fire.

The combined awe of two wolves answering to the sound of their names, Caleeb petting the wolves, seeing the predators accepting a command to herd a deer closer to the hunters, and the quick downing of the distant deer was alarming. Starting a fire as the young men had just seen was unnerving.

"Who...Who are you people? Why has Earth Mother given you command of Her world?" Jacobi was in wonder at what he had just seen. Caleeb just stood in awe; he too wanted to know who these people were.

"Jacobi, neither you or Caleeb have need to fear. I suggest we sit and talk while Jaradal and Bandoman take care of the horses we ride. I will tell you of my people and I would ask of yours. Any questions you wish to ask will be answered, and before we bed down for the night, you will each be able to start a fresh fire just as quickly as, my mate did." Ayla wanted to lessen the men's fears and had spoken in a calming voice. A conversation followed and centered on firestones and how they work. The next topic was Ayla's statement of riding horses.

"Ayla, horses are large and fast wild animals, yet you say your people ride on their backs?" Jacobi was not convinced.

Bandoman and Durcan had just returned with the deer and were close by. Looking at them, Caleeb and Jacobi saw the two hunters nodding in affirmation.

Jondalar wanted to join the conversation and Ayla was looking tired. "Yes, we ride the backs of horses and the grasses we wish to gather will be used to help feed our horses over the winter." Both Jacobi and Caleeb were amazed at what Jondalar had said and at this point they would likely believe anything these strangers said.

"Durcan, would you please take charge of roasting a deer haunch?"

"Yes, I would be pleased to." The significance of Ayla's selection of Durcan to roast the meat was not lost on her son. His mother wanted him to not only roast the meat, she also wanted him to use spices when roasting. None of the other three men in Ayla's search party knew how to properly use spices.

Ayla enjoyed seeing the surprised looks when new tastes and aromas were experienced. The upcoming moment would be no exception and was much the same as similar occurrences in the past.

Morning came and both Caleeb and Jacobi had gotten up early to kindle a morning fire. No cooking was to be done; each man just wanted to be sure he could still start a fire just as they did last night. The two Caleeb Tribe hunters had shared in the prior night's conversation and were now comfortable with the five Zelandonii strangers and the two wolves that were with them.

"Jacobi and I will meet with the Caleeb tribe elders and speak of what has happened. I am certain an invitation to winter with us will be given by our elders. As I said last night, my people are only nineteen in number and I know your presence will be good for our tribe."

Ayla noticed something in Caleeb's smile and felt she knew the obvious; Caleeb was the leader of the Caleeb Tribe. What Ayla didn't know at the time was although he was the tribe's leader, he did not control or even have a vote in controlling the tribe named after him. Only the tribe's three elders held control. Over the winter, each of the eight Caleeb hunters had managed to learn how to ride a horse and how to use a spearthrower. This pleased Hunt Leader Jacobi.

Learning how to care for horses was a necessary part of the training and the knowledge of how to make a spearthrower and use it properly was needed also. Jacobi had no real interest in the horses, someone else could manage them. His interest was in making and using the spearthrower; Caleeb liked the horses and Jacobi would learn to like them.

The Caleeb tribe benefited greatly from the kindness shown to the Zelandonii search party. Knowledge of spearthrowers, firestones, and the possibility they could train animals to do their bidding were substantial things. Just as substantial was giving the Caleeb tribe eight of the nine rideable horses Ayla's search party had brought with them. Ayla wanted to retain only one horse as a packhorse. Nearing Clan lands, she knew being seen riding a horse could cause serious problems.

"Ayla, with the training, horses, and knowledge your group have given the Caleeb people, you have given us an easier and more stable life and likely one without ever again going in want of food." Jacobi was pleased to say these things. "For these things, we are grateful and want you to know you are always welcome to visit or even become members of the Caleeb tribe," affirmed Jacobi.

"We thank the Caleeb tribe for sheltering us over the winter and it was our pleasure to bring the gifts of The Mother to the Caleeb tribe. Traveling in the winter would not have been the best thing for us as winter travel is hard even when you are familiar with the woodlands, waterways, mountains and the proper route to get where you want to go. Now we must continue East in our search. May the Earth Mother's blessings abide with the Caleeb."

"...And also with you my friends." Both Jacobi and Caleeb had spoken the same ritual response to Ayla and were nearly in unison. Ayla's search party soon disappeared in the distance. Caleeb, Jacobi, and the other men in the Caleeb Tribe reflected on all that had happened and knew the Zelandoni hunters had given them extremely valuable knowledge. Along with firestones and spearthrowers, they also learned horses could be ridden and put to labor where great strength was needed. As a bonus, they now knew humans could train wolves to be protectors and hunters. These things, these gifts, would long be remembered by the Caleeb Tribe..