CHAPTER 9: Reunions
Durcan, Ava, and Jaradal started the morning's trek early. They traveled a nearly dry riverbed free of trees, bush, and overgrowth. This allowed the trio to reach base camp by early dusk on the same day they left their lakeside camp.
Upon arriving, Durcan felt an urgent call from nature and asked Jaradal to handle Ava's introduction to Bandoman and Sky. Jaradal was standing beside Ava as the two approached Bandoman and upon reaching the hunter, Ava naturally took an additional step forward and held out her hand to Bandoman in greeting. This obviously left Jaradal slightly behind Ava.
Being introduced to a pretty woman, Bandoman wanted to start a conversation. "Ava, you are a very good-looking woman, and I am pleased you are now with us. I look forward to getting to know you..."
After hearing what Bandoman had said, Jaradal frowned and gave a negative head-shake to his friend and then nodded towards Durcan's forest retreat. Doing this conveyed Ava was somehow involved with Durcan. Truly, what Bandoman said was harmless, but words can convey more than one meaning. Being unmated and not knowing what had transpired between Durcan and Ava, he was innocent of any wrongdoing. Being a man, it was natural he wanted to interact with her.
"...But right now, I need to put a deer haunch on the spit and light my roasting fire." Saying this lessened the attention Bandoman had drawn upon himself. Durcan now reached the group and greeted Bandoman then Jaradal helped Bandoman mount the haunch on the spit his friend had made days ago.
The two men then lit the kindling in four different places and the fire propagated quickly. Shortly after this, both Blackie and Sky became anxious and began prancing excitedly to alert their human pack that Ayla and Jondalar were approaching the camp. As protectors, the two wolves were announcing their impending arrival.
Walking into camp and seeing a young woman about Durcan's age and standing beside his son, Jondalar was the first to speak. "Durcan, I see you have had a very successful search." He held a broad smile as he briefly tilted his head towards Ava.
"Yes, father, I feel that my search went extremely well. Mother, father, this woman is named Ava and she is of the Karren Tribe. Jaradal and I crossed paths with two Others hunters shortly after we set out on our northerly search and one of the men told us of an Others child living within a Clan cave. I asked for directions to the cave and Jaradal and I went in the direction the hunters had told us to go. The Clan's location was east of our encounter with the hunters and northeast of here. Finding the Clan, I was able to barter with Kregg, the Clan's leader, for release of the child; only it turned out 'the child' wasn't exactly a child."
Ayla had already started walking toward the young woman and Ava responded by reaching out in greeting and smiling in anticipation of meeting Durcan's mother. "Welcome to our search group Ava. I am Ayla, Durcan's mother, and I am sure you have already been introduced to Jaradal, Bandoman, Blackie, and Sky. Since you are now with us, both of our wolves will see you as a new member of their pack and both wolves will protect you. I assume Durcan has already told you of our search for my first-born son. While we search for him, I want to spend some time getting to know you. Please tell us things of your life as we speak today and the days that follow."
Ava was startled by Ayla's statement. She thought what Durcan had been saying was little more than embellished lies in spite of the fact she saw no lies. "Yes, Durcan told me he was part of a search group looking for his half-brother and he also told me that you are a Medicine Woman and are the Spirit Leader of over a thousand people."
Ava felt a full reveal of the lies Durcan had so easily told would be proper.
She now watched for Durcan's mother to give an odd look, a slight shiver, a gasp, a momentary tremble, an odd tone of voice, a twitch, an odd stance, a devious eye or a look of shock; she expected to see a tipoff of some kind related to the lies Durcan had told her.
"That is correct Ava. Being a Spirit Leader is a large part of me, but now I put being a mother first, Medicine Woman second and Spirit Leader third. Right or wrong these are now my priorities. For twenty-five summers I put being a Medicine Woman and later, being Spirit Leader, ahead of being a mother. My priorities were wrong and that is why we are now trying to find my Clan son, Durc, or at least what happened to him after my Clan's angry leader forced me to leave my son and the rest of my Clan family many years ago."
Ava had a strong tone of awe in her reply. "Ayla, I always thought 'The Legends of Durc,' were only entertaining stories!"
A shockwave ran through Ayla's body and her eyes began to tear up as she was holding Ava's hands. "There are legends of Durc? Legends?" Quickly excited, Ayla threw her head back and flung her arms up and outward to the sky. She took a deep breath and shouted, "L-E-G-E-N-D-S!" Ayla had extended the voicing of the word in excited celebration of Ava's statement.
Composing herself, Ayla looked to Ava and excitedly took hold of both Ava's hands. "Ava, come, sit with us and tell us of these legends, I want and need to hear them, but I must first ask, are the legends from the Clan or from the Others?"
"I know they are only from the Clan as this is where I heard them. What difference does it make if the stories are from the Clan or from the Others?"
"If they are from the Clan, I know they are unembellished truth. This is seldom the case with stories the Others tell." Ayla then called everyone to her, including Jaradal and Bandoman, and asked them to sit and listen to Ava's stories of Durc. Legends were usually about those who have gone to the Spirit World... but not always. This is what Ayla was now depending on. She simply couldn't, ask if Durc was still living or if he was dead. This was uncharacteristic of Ayla as she was known to be someone always seeking truth and not afraid of confrontation.
With the deer meat now beginning to roast, everyone had free time. It was the perfect moment for Ava to begin sharing the legends. She was feeling slightly intimidated at first, but she realized this was a family wanting to hear of a missing loved one, there was no real reason to feel intimidated.
"The first legend story I was told was how Durc taught the women of his Clan to catch fish. The men were always out on hunts while the Clan's women were caring for the children and doing other things. Durc was only seven summers at the time and was trying to spear some fish as he had seen men do. Having no success, the legend tells how he devised a way to get the fish come to him.
Durc thought "Fish must eat and they probably eat raw meat. If I create a small hook out of hard oak and then attach a sinew line to the hook, the fish will likely smell the meat on the hook and come to it. They will probably swallow the meat with the hook in it, and then the fish will be forced to come to me as I pull them to the bank with the sinew line." Durc's thoughts proved to be right!"
Ava continued telling the legend story. "This method worked, but it was only small fish being caught. Durc anticipated he could catch bigger fish if he made the sinew line longer and the hook bigger. He used a larger piece of raw meat as well.
Durc wanted to throw the hook into to deeper water where the larger fish would be, so he tied a rock the size of a walnut to the sinew line an arm's length from the hook. Doing this allowed him to throw the meat with the hook in it into deeper waters. Now bigger fish were being caught and brought to where he was standing. He knew the men had to hunt constantly so he taught the women how to fish. Since fishing with a line was new and wasn't hunting, no Clan customs or laws were violated. Fishing with a line and hook instead of spears also yielded more and bigger fish." Ava was pleased to tell this first legend story.
"Jondalar! Durc discovered how to catch fish with a line and a hook and the Clan benefited from it... I told you he was special!"
"Ayla, he is your son, so I would expect nothing less. What impresses me more is that he was able to get the Clan to accept something new."
Ayla turned to Ava and asked a pressing question, "Ava, The Clan of the Cave Bear is where I grew up. Do you know where it is from here? Durc may still be there and if I can find his Clan I will see my son!."
"Ayla, I was always at Kregg's Clan of the High Hillside, so I have no idea where your Clan of the Cave Bear is located or even if it still exists." The rest of the evening was spent listening to more of the legends and pleasant conversation after each telling. The evening meal was over, and it was well past the usual time to bed down.
Jondalar called an end to the stories. He knew Ayla wanted to hear more, but the entire group needed at least some sleep.
The morning meal finished, Ava was assisting Ayla in cleaning the bone plates and Durcan had a desire, a need, to take counsel with his father. "Father, I wish to speak with you. Would you mind a taking a walk with me?"
"Certainly, I would enjoy that... Ayla, Ava, …Durcan and I will be back in a bit." No more was said until they were far enough away that nothing could be heard by the women. "Durcan, you asked to speak with me, what do you wish to speak of?"
"Father, Ava is a mystery to me and doesn't act like the other women I know. She is both soft and hard at the same time. She impresses me with her mind and doesn't boast or try to embellish herself to get my attention. I want to get to know her as a person. The strange thing is that I get a shiver whenever she is near me and I really want her to like me."
"I know exactly how you feel. My relationship with your mother was much the same. She didn't speak a verbal language when we met so I taught her our Zelandonii language just so I could get to know her and where she came from. She was a total mystery to me just as Ava is to you."
"So, what should I do father?"
"Durcan, you are already doing what you need to do. Open conversation allows both of you the opportunity to ask questions of each other's past life. What does she feel about her time in the Clan? What things did she like about the Clan? What are things she didn't like? What confuses her?
"Many men whittle for the enjoyment of creating art while others whittle for utility by creating tools. Does Ava have skills that she enjoys using in similar manner? Does she have a favorite color? What is her favorite season? What would she like to learn to do?What I am trying to say is that unrestrained conversation is important in getting to know someone. The things you wish to know about Ava are likely many of the same things she would like to know about you. At times, your mother and I had problems in our mated life together and those problems were created by a lack of communication and were ultimately resolved by speaking of our thoughts and feelings. This is something you should consider doing also."
"My feelings! Father, speaking of my feelings is something I would not be at all comfortable with. I've never spoken to a woman of my feelings."
"Durcan, I suggest you do just that. Speak freely of your feelings about things and speak openly about your feelings for her. Tell her what you like about her and how your heart pounds when you see her. These are things she is quite likely experiencing herself. Being open with her and exposing your heart to her will help her to feel safe in speaking openly about how she feels about you. This is very important because both of you must feel secure in one another.
Other things exist that will help you build a good relationship. Speak to no one of personal matters and shared confidences between you. Know that you should both give support to one another in all things and avoid being critical of each other. Be certain not to use her as the butt of jokes or talk about her flaws to others; show that you respect and honor her as an equal being. These things are very important. When you argue, and you will argue on occasion, always ask yourself if what is being argued about will make a difference five summers later. If not, there should be little need to argue."
"Thank you, father. Ava and I have spoken freely of many things but in nearly all matters, we haven't spoken of our feelings. I think what you have said is good advice and I am pleased you have shared it with me. Now knowing more than I did, I anticipate telling Ava of my feelings. Father, I want to mate with Ava."
"That doesn't surprise me, and it won't surprise your mother either. We have both seen how you two interact with each other and we are well pleased with Ava.
"Now listen closely Durcan, for a happy life together you need to remember two phrases... 'Yes dear' and 'No dear.' These phrases will help you greatly.
"If you keep Ava happy, in return, she will keep you happy. 'Anything you say dear,' is another phrase you may want to remember but use this particular term sparingly." Jondalar was smiling when speaking of the phrases and Durcan couldn't help but smile as well.
It was late morning before everyone was ready to head out.
Jaradal and Bandoman usually traded off as being odd man, and Bandoman had remained at their base camp on the previous search. No matter who served as odd man for this search, Ava would stay with the odd man. She was not a hunter and could not assist a hunter with anything better than a sling in the event of a conflict with humans or predators.
"Bandoman, you missed the last search and I am guessing he would like to get out of camp. How about going on the next search with me?"
"Durcan, it would be good to get out of camp, so 'yes' is my answer." Bandoman then turned to Jaradal. "If you would Jaradal, please have food for seven upon our return."
"Seven? Why seven when our entire group, including Ava, is only six?"
"Because Durcan now has a highly experienced search expert with him and I plan to have Durc in camp with us by the end of the day." Jondalar snickered a bit at Bandoman's comment as did Ayla, Durcan, Jaradal, and even Ava.
"That's some big talk Bandoman. Do you care to back it up with our usual travel cake wager?"
"Sure, why not!" Bandoman replied. "The last cakes you lost to me were very tasty and filling and I am feeling a bit peckish even now. The best part is that I have witnesses to our bet so you can't renege."
The comment about reneging drew a bit of laughter and Jaradal knew he was highly likely to win the bet as did the rest of the group, including Bandoman himself. Comment aside, there was something in Jaradal's tone of voice... It was something Ayla, Jondalar, and Durcan picked up on. The tone was jovial and not aggressively challenging as was normal for Jaradal in the past.
Bandoman had just poured water on his morning cooking fire when four Clan hunters came upon the location of Ayla's search group. The Clan hunters walked out from a copse of trees in the near distance. They had seen the smoke from Bandoman's morning fire and were concerned it could be from Others. If the Others were careless, the fire could spread and become a killing wildfire.
Ayla and Durcan were standing closest to the four Clan hunters as the group approached and Durcan gave an affirmative nod to the mixed blood hunter facing him some twelve horse lengths away. The leader returned Durcan's affirmative nod and both men moved forward and stopped fifteen paces apart. Doing this provided a neutral ground for the two men.
The Clan leader remembered the young man standing beside the Others woman as being the hunter he had bested in a deer kill two days ago. Both men had ended the animal's life when the leader's throwing spear and Durcan's spear hit the deer just two breaths apart. Durcan yielded the kill without hesitation as the Clan hunter's throwing spear hit the animal before his.
At the time of the kill, Durcan had thought, 'This isn't a big loss and I can get another kill much easier than the Clan hunter can.' Nothing was said or signed between the two hunters as they were a distance apart and it was obvious whose spear struck the deer first. "Mother, I am certain this Clan man is the same man I came across two days ago, remember the deer kill I told you about?"
Durcan stepped forward because he was the nearest male to the group of four hunters and guessed the smoke from the cooking fire was why the Clan hunters were approaching.
Being aware of the Clan's protocol in meeting Others, he signed and spoke to his group. "Everyone stand well back as I speak with this man of mixed spirits." Durcan had spoken and signed firmly as a leader would do.
Ayla stepped back as Durcan moved forward. She knew Durcan would want her to have a good shot with her throwing spear in case the need arose. Jondalar was also prepared as were Jaradal and Bandoman.
These were Clan hunters, as such there should be no problem in meeting with them simply because those in the Clan seek peace. They will defend themselves but will not purposely instigate a conflict. Still, being prepared for a conflict with strangers was a standard practice for all hunters, both Clan and Others. Sky and Blackie were on alert and unsure what may happen. The two were ready to either stay in place and out of sight, or warn, perhaps even attack, any stranger getting out of line.
The Clan hunter now signed his fellow hunters to stand back and the two leaders began walking forward until the distance between them was just six paces. Something inside Ayla was urging her to move forward but she knew she must allow Durcan to be in charge. 'This Clan hunter may not be who I think he could be and if I approach now it will look aggressive and would likely hinder Durcan's efforts.' Ayla forced herself to stand in place.
Seeing and hearing the young Others leader command his companions to stand back, the Clan leader knew the young Other was a leader. 'Could this hunter fully understand sign?' "Hunter, I am pleased to see you again. It appears you are fully familiar in signing a proper language and that those with you have done as you commanded.
"We did not meet when the deer was killed two moons ago and I want to offer my gratitude in honor of your character in the matter. My hunters and I saw smoke and we were nearby. We needed to find the source, and this is why we are here." Durc was hopeful the Other could fully understand what was signed.
"I thank you for expressing gratitude in leaving you the deer kill. I just did what I knew was right." Wanting to control the meeting to some degree, Durcan continued to sign. "If I may ask, do you know of a mixed blood man named Durc? "We are searching for him as he is my half-brother, and we seek to find him or at least learn what has happened to him since my mother was sent away under a Death Curse a lifetime ago." Durcan's signing was clear and concise.
The Clan leader was shocked at what the young hunter had signed. 'Could the woman who had been standing next to the young hunter be my mother? Could mother have defeated the Death Curse she was given a lifetime ago?' These thoughts and more were racing through Durc's mind.
Durcan could see the Clan man was shocked and realized something must be going on and whatever it was, it had alarmed the Clan hunter greatly. Facing Duncan's back, Ayla was four horse lengths behind him and could not see what was being signed.
"Young hunter, I would see and hear your name sound and I would also suggest 'Ayla.' is your mother's name sound."
"My name sound is 'Durcan' and yes, my mother's name sound is 'Ayla,' but how can you kno..." Durcan stopped in mid-sentence when he realized what had just happened. "Hunter, if what I am thinking is correct, YOU are Durc, the man we have been searching for."
"Yes, my brother, your thoughts are correct. Would you please call our mother forward and then introduce me? I have a strong need to know her again."
Shaken, Durcan turned to his mother and signed, "Mother, please come to us, I have need of your presence!" Durcan had added an imperative in his signing. Ayla came forward as requested and walked at a rapid pace because of Durcan's imperative.
She stood beside Durcan and was now facing the Clan hunter. As Durcan tried to compose a proper introduction, he was thinking, 'How do I introduce a mother to her son? What would be proper?' He was momentarily arguing with himself over the best words to use.
As Durcan was composing his thoughts, Ayla stared at the Clan man and muttered 'Durc' then realized what she had just done.
Now she took a fresh step forward. Taking a deep breath, Ayla spoke, "DURC?" Her throat was dry, and the name came out with an unintended rasp.
Durc had watched as the woman of the Others took a breath and he listened as she said his name sound. He had never imagined his mother could still be alive. In shock and as if waking from a dream, he lightly mouthed a word his true mother had taught him, 'mother.' Durc took his own large breath and spoke aloud and in a strong and questioning tone, "MOTHER?"
Ayla was certain this was Durc and shook her head 'yes' with extremely positive and repeated nods; tears quickly began to fill her eyes. Her repeated nods were in answer to Durc's one-word question; nothing more was needed.
Durc and Ayla began a stuttered walk towards each other. Both were showing a tense hesitation in their steps. Each had waited so very long for this impossible moment and the love they felt for each other was unmistakable. Summers of pain, uncertainty, anguish, and loss were now ended.
There was no way to restrain the natural emotions and now Durc's eyes were tearing up as well. Bodies shaking, their hands touched. Neither could hold back any longer and it was impossible to tell who embraced who first. Tears flowed freely during the longest embrace anyone had ever seen.
Ayla reached up to hold Durc's head and kiss her son. Durc remembered his mother's kisses and with this reminder he returned her kisses with fervor. Their bodies were trembling in unison; the two were crying and gasping for air.
Durcan stared in disbelief. 'Durc is not only alive, he is also here and hugging my mother... his mother... our mother.' He stepped forward and Ayla took charge. She introduced her two sons in a singular and direct way; "Durc, this man is your brother, his name is Durcan." Ayla had spoken and signed at the same time.
Both shock and joy filled Durcan's heart at Ayla's confirmation; the brother his mother had so often told him about, the brother they had been searching for, was now standing just steps away from him. Durcan started to hold out open hands as was the common custom to show no weapons were in hand, then his own feelings took control. He approached Durc quickly and hugged his older brother tightly. Durc was now hugging and being hugged by both his mother and his brother at the same time. This was a moment unparalleled in both men's lives.
Durc was amazed at meeting Durcan simply because the thought of having a brother had never entered his mind. He also took note that his brother's name was bearing his own name within it. Now a thought occurred to him followed by a signed question, "Mother, do I have any other brothers or sisters?"
"Yes, you have a sister. She is mated and has a little girl named Marthona. Your sister is named 'Jonayla,' and is three Summer Gatherings in age, little Marthona is just over three summers. They live twelve moon cycles to the setting sun from here. Durcan is two Summer Meetings plus three summers in age. He has not yet mated. I have mated and 'Jondalar' is my mate's name." The names were signed and spoken at the same time.
The three Clan hunters who had held back when Ayla began her approach were now walking forward. It was obvious there was no danger in this encounter with the Others. The Clan hunters were greatly surprised to find Durc's mother was alive after being given the Death Curse so many summers ago and were just as surprised that she was a leader. This was their understanding since she had been called forward to speak with the Others leader and Durc, their own leader.
Durc now signed to his three hunters; "Return to our Clan and tell Brac and others what has happened. I have found my mother and want time to be alone with my Others family." With a nod of obedience, the hunters turned to go back to the Clan of the Cave Bear. "I will return to our people in roughly four moons." The group of hunters left for their Clan knowing the news would cause great excitement among the people. It was good Durcan's packhorse was out of sight; the Clan hunters wouldn't understand. The horse would soon be set free.
Ayla now swung her left arm open towards Ava and Jondalar saying, "Come, I want both of you to join us in our celebration." With tears beginning to show in Ava's eyes, Jondalar and Ava walked forward and joined in the hugging. Jondalar had initially held back because he didn't want to interfere in Ayla's greeting of her long-lost son.
Ava remembered family life and realized this was a family. It was no matter she was not a family member; it was family and she missed family with all her heart. "Ava, just as I want to get to know my son, I want to get to know you, and I thank you again for the stories you shared last night." Full introductions were made and shadow hunters Jaradal and Bandoman were included.
Now turning to Ayla, Durc voiced, "Mother, you have two grandchildren, Reebrun and his sister, A-laa." Ayla squealed in childlike excitement and leaned over to give Durc a big hug. It was then it hit her; Durc had spoken his statement instead of signing it. She looked at Durc with surprised excitement and took a breath to begin speaking but Durc spoke first.
"Yes mother, I can speak the Others language, or a form of it anyway. My mate is named 'Ura' and she is of mixed blood also. An old male Other living within her Clan taught Ura how to speak and Ura taught me." Durc knew his mother was pleased but also knew she would have been pleased even if he hadn't learned how to speak the Zelandonii language. "No one in my cave realizes she and I speak a verbal language to each other. When someone does hear us speak, they call it 'mixed-blood gibberish' and rarely even comment on it anymore."
"Durc, I am pleased someone taught Ura how to speak, but why would Ura's Clan have taken in an old male Other? That would be far from normal for a Clan."
"Mother, the Others man and his three companions saved the lives of seven Clan children but were badly injured in fighting off six wolves; belt knives were used to fight the wolves and four of the beasts were killed. The other two wolves were only slightly injured and ran away. Two of the man's companions died from blood loss due to angry bites and the third companion died of bite fever nearly two moon cycles later. Our Medicine woman managed save the remaining man's life, but his injuries were extensive. He would never again be able to hunt because of those injuries. Our Mog-ur held that saving the seven children from the wolves warranted the Clan's protection and care. To turn the man out would mean his death and such was not justifiable considering what he and his three companions had done. The man learned our language and was unobtrusive in his manner."
During the fireside conversation, Ava did share more things of her life. "I am of the Karren tribe, but I don't even know if they still exist. I was twelve summers when my parents went to the spirit world. The cliff they were standing on crumbled beneath their feet.
"When Clan hunters found me wandering, they took me in rather than let me die in the wilderness. I lived with the Clan for five summers and I learned Clan signing and Clan customs and also learned the ways of Clan life. I have memories of my prior life with the Karren tribe and I am pleased to be back with people who speak a language."
Durc smiled inwardly at hearing Ava's story; his heritage was of Clan and Other and he knew both languages just as Ava did. He felt Ava to be somewhat of a kindred spirit. In effect, they were both orphans. He lost his mother and Ava lost her mother... and her father as well. Durc didn't even know who his father was. Both Ava and he grew up in the Clan, and now they were both newcomers in an established family and together shared their past lives by firelight. In reality, Broud was Durc's father but neither Durc or Broud were aware of the fact.
During the ensuing fireside conversations, Ayla felt there was something Ava was holding back and decided to ask Ava about it at a time when the two were alone; she was concerned for Ava even in her joy at being reunited with Durc. Ayla herself had been denied family twice, first when the earth shook and swallowed her parents then again when Broud sent her away under a Death Curse.
Ava felt a connection she had long forgotten; that connection was the inclusion in a loving family. She felt accepted and was blending well with Durcan's family. Jaradal and Bandoman had accepted Ava as well and all recognized the bond that had grown between Ava and Durcan. In her heart, Ayla knew that Jonayla and Cambarre, her mate, would also accept Ava without reservation.
Everyone had stories to tell and information to share about their lives. The group settled in for what would end up being an all-night fireside conversation. Jaradal and Bandoman had been introduced to Durc and were amazed at his physical size. He was just as tall as they were, but his muscled arms were half again the size of their own. His chest was large and was rippled with muscles as were his arms and legs; Durc's strength could not be questioned.
Ava was joyful Ayla and Durc found each other. She listened with great interest and spoke openly in asking questions and in giving answers. However, the one thing Ava didn't volunteer was the fact she had a sister. When darkness finally came, the entire group moved to a large bonfire pit Jaradal and Bandoman had built.
As was her habit, Ayla went ahead and grabbed her firestones and lit the dried moss kindling her two shadow hunters had prepared. The bonfire would provide much more light than a normal night-time cooking or roasting fire.
Jondalar and Durcan weren't paying attention to Ayla's actions but Durc was, his eyes seldom moved from the mother he thought he had lost forever. The surprise and shock of seeing sparks fly from his mother's hands drew a gasp and wide eyes from Durc. He watched as Ayla blew on the now smoking pile of leaves, twigs, and dried moss; instant fire ensued.
Gathering his wits, Durc spoke, "Mother, what have I just seen? Sparks flew from your hands and your breath started a fire. Why did Ursus give you the ability to start a fire with your breath?"
Ayla realized she had again alarmed someone by starting a fire with her firestones but this time she wanted to play. Smiling she said, "Oh, I do this all the time... and when it gets a little bit darker, I'll show you how I fly at night..."
He accepted that she started fires all the time as he saw no lie in that part of her statement. However, Durc instantly knew his mother's claimed ability to fly was auroch's crap and realized his mother was teasing him. Even so, his mind formed an image of her flying at night and the teasing relieved his concern over how she created the instant fire.
Ayla could see the vanishing concern over her fire-starting ability and was pleased. "Well, my children, sit down around my fire and I will tell you a story of two rocks, then I will tell you a story of three wolves." Ava and Durc were who Ayla wanted to tell the stories to and Durcan sat with them. Durc gave his mother a puzzled look as he sat down to listen.
"This is how it all started..." After telling the story of firestones, Ayla began her story of three wolves by speaking of Wolf. Even though Ava knew about firestones, Sky, and Blackie, she knew little about Wolf.
At the end of her three-wolves story, Ayla stood up and turned to Durc, "Now let me introduce you to the last two members of our search party." She called out for Blackie and Sky. Having heard Ayla's call, the two came from the bushes they had been behind and approached.
Seeing two predator wolves approaching, Durc instinctively jumped up and confronted the two animals. Heart pounding, he would protect everyone. When no growling or attack took place Durc was bewildered.
"Mother, I thought your telling of three wolves was just an entertaining story. I didn't think it could be real! Are these two wolves the ones living in your story?"
"Durc, I am proud of you for confronting the two predators you thought were about to attack us, and yes, Blackie and Sky are the two wolves Durcan and I have raised as friends."
Durcan now saw an opportunity to tease his brother and jumped into the conversation. "I too am proud that you protected us from Fluffy and Muffy. "Come here Fluffy, come say hello to little Durc." Hearing the sound of Durcan's voice, Blackie came to him as Ava snickered at the thought of Durc being called 'little.'
No longer bewildered, Durc looked directly at Blackie and quickly turned the tease back on Durcan, "Fluffy, bite Durcan... bite Durcan... He LIKES wolf bites." Laughter broke out among the entire group. The conversations would not be ended in two moons, it was likely two summers would not be enough. In almost all of this, Jaradal and Bandoman had held back. They had agreed with each other not to intrude in any way and as such, the two were determined to act as unobtrusive helpers only desiring to assist their Zelandoni and her family in any way they could.
Apart from kindling the cooking fire for the evening meal and then kindling a very good-sized bonfire, the two had already worked in concert to set up camp for everyone. Jaradal put Durcan's sleeping fur right next to Ava's sleeping fur. Like Ayla and Jondalar, he had witnessed the close interaction between the two and, with an uncharacteristic attitude, wanted to offer encouragement.
Knowing that Ayla would want to stay as close to Durc as she could, Jaradal put Durc's sleeping fur on Ayla's left and Jondalar's sleeping fur on her right. Doing this thoughtful act was unlike the old Jaradal. The man was beginning to interact with other people differently than his normal self; he was becoming likable. This change in Jaradal was not unprecedented as everyone tends to change in different ways as time passes.
His daily proximity and interactions with Jondalar, Ayla, Durcan, and Bandoman somehow caused unconscious changes in what and how Jaradal spoke to others. The change was also showing in newly found compassion and thoughtfulness for others. The long trek and daily interaction within Ayla's group were smoothing Jaradal's rough edges by unintentional example and deed. His time living within Ayla's Clan would help even more.
Bandoman had kindled a small campfire for himself and Jaradal and had used his firestones to start the fire. Finished serving for the day, the two men relaxed.
"Jaradal, I am now ready for the travel cake you owe me."
"I owe you no travel cake. What are you talking about?"
"Don't you remember when I said Durc would be in camp with us today?" You bet a travel cake and Jondalar, Durcan, Ava, and Ayla are all witnesses to our bet."
"Bandoman, you can't..."
"Oh yes I can! You're the one who suggested we bet. I went ahead and accepted your bet and now you must stand by your word. I want my travel cake now please." Bandoman was grinning from ear to ear.
"I hope you choke on this travel cake."
"Jaradal, that's the same thing I think whenever I lose a bet to you. I just don't say it out loud."
"Bandoman, you're not man enough to say it out loud."
"Would you like to bet on that?"
Brief laughter came about and was followed by a restful sleep. Waking up after a troubled night of sleep, Ava decided to talk with Ayla about Barrie. She told Ayla everything as the two women took a slow morning walk together. Thoughts, hopes, fears, questions, and personal histories were shared. "Ayla, I didn't know if it was a good thing, or a bad thing when Kregg released me to Durcan. Now I know it was a very good thing and I hope Barrie can join me someday."
"Ava, that's quite a story, but you didn't say Barrie's age and something else I would like to know is her personality. Is she fully open as you are, or does she hide her feelings? Does she manage well under pressure? Does she have any special skills?" Ava had to snicker at hearing Ayla's last question.
"Ayla, Barrie is twelve summers now. She is grounded and always finishes whatever she starts. Her personality is that of a very steady mind and she is kind and cares for others. She does have a special skill in that Kregg's Medicine Woman has trained her, and when under pressure, she is sharp and concise in her questions and actions. Barrie and I both seek Ursus and have a belief that Ursus and The Great Earth Mother are one in the same. My sister is very direct in approach, and her questions show forethought. One other thing you will find in Barrie is maturity. She is an adult in her thoughts and actions and sees things in their base form with clarity."
"Ava, I am happy to hear of Barrie and her manner. Next fall, when Kregg's Clan again needs winter meat, I now intend to do the same thing as Durcan did. I will put forth every effort to gain Barrie's release. I want and will try to have Barrie with me when I return."
"Ayla, I now have no fear of forever losing Barrie. I owe you thanks for accepting me into your search group and I owe you for Durcan being the man he is." This was a proper statement of thanks but with an odd statement at the end.
Ayla could only see the thanks for 'Durcan being the man he is' as a declaration of caring for Durcan. Ayla said nothing but let a hand squeeze and pleased smile do it silently. Jondalar had spoken with Ayla about his walk with Durcan and what was said between the two men. Ayla was very pleased Durcan had sought his father's guidance. "Jondalar, Durcan and Ava have built a relationship and I have seen how Durcan acts when Ava is present, I feel this is a good thing."
