CHAPTER 15: The Karren
It was now very late fall and Ayla wanted to find out if the Karren tribe was still where Kregg had told her it might be. Being only six days away, she wanted to take Barrie to the Karren and see if a relative claimed her. It was the right thing to do and since she and Barrie would be leaving in the spring, if relatives were found it would be up to Barrie to decide if she would stay or go.
"Barrie, would you accompany me on what I anticipate being a fifteen-day trek? Sky would be with us and Jaradal and Bandoman as well."
"I accept your request Ayla and do so without any questions. I have full faith and trust in you and will go anywhere you may ask me to."
"I don't understand why you have no questions; you always have questions."
"I have questions, but none are pressing at the moment, and I just felt you might like a break from answering all the questions I ask. When will we begin our trek?"
"Barrie! You just asked a question... Didn't you just tell me you were going to give me a break in answering all your questions?"
"It was a pressing question."
"Wait a moment, you said none of your questions were pressing."
"None of my questions were pressing when I said none were pressing. This is a new question that came to mind and knowing when we will leave so I can prepare for the trip makes it a pressing question."
"Barrie, we will leave in three days, just after our morning meal, and I thank you."
"Thank me for what?"
"Thank you for giving me a break in your questions, I needed that." Nothing more was said and both women snickered.
As Ayla had said, she and Barrie started the trek three days later. "Barrie, at this point you know not of my intent. We are headed to what I believe is the Karren Tribe. You see, Durcan told me what two Others hunters had said to him about a small tribe being a few days from where they were when he encountered the men."
"You aren't leaving me there so why bother to go to them?"
"For two reasons, first so they know what happened to a family of their own people and second, to render any aid we may be able to give."
"Other than ourselves and firestones we have nothing to give," Barrie said.
"Yes, and hopefully that will be enough."
"I don't understand. How can we give them what we don't have?" Barrie was puzzled.
"We have much to give! Ava told me the Karren's Medicine Woman went to the Spirit World and that was why they were trying to find another tribe of Others to join with. We can go to the Karren because Kregg told me how to get to where you were found by his hunters and that he knew of a tribe of Others one day west of the mountain pass where your parents died.
"Summers have passed since your parent's death and the Karren may have moved away, but then again they may still be right where they were. I wish to find them and render aid if needed. If we do manage to find your people, what you and I have to give is our knowledge of medicinals and our experienced hands."
"You declared me to be a Medicine Woman, but I am still in training and at present I am still learning from you."
"Barrie, you constantly underestimate your abilities. Being a Medicine Woman requires reaching a point where you know you can do it. You have already reached that point, which is what allowed me to declare you to be a Medicine Woman. We must at least try to find the Karren and if we don't, at least we will have tried. If we do find them, I will be there so there should be no real reason to worry."
"All right but watch me closely. I don't want to harm anyone." Ayla had already been looking at Barrie but now her serious face was wearing a broad smile. "Ayla, why are you smiling so?"
"My pledge is why. My adopted mother, 'Iza' was her name, told me her law to live by and I adopted it as my own. 'Do no harm' was her law and I made it my pledge when I became a Medicine Woman. You have just stated my pledge in your own words. As I said before, you ARE a Medicine Woman."
Barrie was shocked at Ayla's statement and it took a few moments for her to process what was just said. "Thank you, and because you have confidence in me, I will have renewed confidence in myself and will show it in my manner and my actions. I will do no harm... Ayla, how far is it to the Karren Tribe?"
"I believe it is only six days away. Jaradal and Bandoman will be with us and will be traveling as shadow hunters. I have left Sky with Durc because if we do find the Karren, Sky would likely scare them. I do have one thing I must be sure you understand, where you choose to live is entirely up to you. The coming winter will be our last with Durc because we will travel to Lion Camp in the spring.
"After wintering at Lion camp, we will go the rest of the way to the Zelandonii. I suggest you look at any tribes we may come across as potential homes. I only ask that you make no decision until being with the Zelandonii for a full summer. That way you can make a fully informed decision as to where you want to live your life."
"I accept what you are saying and in reply, I agree we should try to find the Karren Tribe as I wish to meet them." Barrie's acceptance was heartwarming to Ayla.
Ayla spoke with Durc the day before leaving to find the Karren Tribe with Barrie. "Durc, I have something in mind, and I would like to tell you of it fully, then I would seek your thoughts."
"Speak to me of your thoughts mother."
"I want to speak with Brac about the Karren Tribe, the Markaii outcasts, and the Lion Camp."
"That's a good amount of speaking and I cannot conceive of what matter would involve all three peoples. Should we sit, or would you prefer to tell me a shortened version of what you wish to speak with Brac about?"
"The short story may suffice. I know there is no Medicine Woman in any of the three places I mentioned. I am going to take Barrie to where the Karren tribe may be to see if they still exist. Kregg has told me where his hunters had previously seen a small group of Others and the location seemed to agree with what Durcan told me previously. Even if we do find the Karren, Barrie will probably not wish to stay with them. She will likely want to stay with the Zelandonii because she wants to be reunited with her sister at the Ninth Cave."
"I understand, but I ask what are your Lion Camp, the Karren, and the Markaii outcasts in this?" Durc was puzzled.
"The Markaii are involved because when I leave in the spring, they will be traveling with me to the Karren tribe if I find they still exist, and then go on to Lion Camp. I will offer the Karren an opportunity to travel to Lion Camp with us. They will need to be ready to leave within three days of our spring arrival or stay where they are. It would be their decision to make and I think they would want to come with us if for no other reason than safety in numbers and full access to Medicine Women for at least sixteen months."
"Again mother, why would this 'Lion Camp,' the Karren and the Markaii be of concern to Brac?"
"Let me clarify what I have said, Assuming the Markaii and the Karren go with me to Lion camp and whether the Markaii join Lion Camp or continue onward and trek to the Zelandonii, Lion camp will still not have a Medicine woman because Barrie wants to be with her sister, and Ava will be living with Durcan at the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii.
"The Clan of the Cave Bear has Uba and Marka and two other trainees. Seven moons ago Uba declared Marka to be a Medicine Woman. I would ask Brac to allow Marka to come with us to Lion Camp. She could be the Lion Camp's Medicine Woman until an Others Medicine Woman is found."
"Mother, Marka only signs. She could not communicate with the Others and there is no one in our Clan who can translate for her other than my mate and myself. We will not leave our home if for no other reason than concern for our children, Reebrun and A-laa."
"I am not suggesting you do. If Brac agrees to send Marka with us to Lion Camp, I would then go to The Tribal Clan of Mixed Peoples and ask Erba, the tribe's leader, if she would allow me to ask for a volunteer to act as a companion and interpreter at Lion Camp. I am told their tribe has five young women of mixed blood who could translate. It would likely be a two or three summer commitment for Marka and the translator and would certainly be a life experience for both women."
"Mother, I alone should speak with Brac in this matter. There are private matters you are unaware of and I don't want Brac to be put in a difficult position by your request. Understand, I feel your request is valid, but the private matter may influence his decision. Would you allow me this?"
"Yes, I understand private matters and honor everyone's right to harbor them. Go to Brac sometime in the coming days and tell him of my request. I will accept his decision and will express my gratitude for his consideration of my request no matter what the answer is." Ayla was not someone who always had to be in control of things and although this was something of great importance to Lion Camp, she trusted Durc to handle it as he knew Brac better than anyone else.
"Durc, you have made me aware of your mother's request and I feel for the needs of the Karren, the Markaii, and of Lion Camp, yet I do not wish to order Marka away. You are the only person who knows about my feelings towards Marka and to order her away for three or more summers would not please me. Marka would be far away and in a strange place with only a volunteer translator as a companion. Doing as your mother requests would be like banishing Marka from our people. Durc, with due respect to your mother, I will not order Marka to leave us."
"I know how you feel about Marka and that is why I asked mother to allow me to speak to you on her behalf. I will tell mother of your decision and she will accept your answer with gratitude for your consideration. It's time you know..."
"Time for what?"
"It is time for speaking to Marka and telling her of your feelings. She may be embarrassed if you speak openly of your feelings but if you don't, you had just as well send her away." Now a question came to mind, "Brac, if Marka were to volunteer to go on the trek with my mother would you allow her to go?"
"Durc, that would be the only way I would allow her to go. It would be her choice to go or to stay."
"You would give Marka a choice? Brac, that is against Clan traditions and Clan ways and you know it!"
"Nonetheless, as leader, I would allow her to choose whether to go or to stay." The two men were standing behind a privacy screen and Brac now stepped from behind and signed to a helper standing in the distance. "Find Medicine Woman Marka and bring her to my hearth. If she is giving serious care to someone, I ask you wait with her until she is able to come. Tell her this summoning is at my request."
Less than a finger of time passed before Marka arrived at Brac's hearth and could see that Durc was there also. "Marka, I have called you here because Mog-ur Ayla has asked Durc to tell me of the needs of a distant tribe of Others. He has suggested I order you to go with Mog-ur Ayla.
"Mother will be traveling in the spring to an Others camp located far away. You would act as Medicine Woman for a large tribe of Others and would take a translator as a companion.
"Know that it would likely be three or four summers before you return to us. You are permitted to speak freely but compose your thoughts and feelings in the matter before speaking. Understand, no harm will come to you no matter what you may say."
There was no hesitation in Marka's reply. "Brac, I will do whatever you order me to do or whatever you ask me to do, but since it is leader Durc that is asking on behalf of his mother, I would say that I have no desire to leave our Clan. Being away from friends would hurt my heart and being away from you would hurt my heart even more."
Brac was shocked. "Marka, you just said being away from me would hurt your heart?"
"I speak truth in all I say."
"Durc, Marka will not be leaving our Clan. Please go now and tell your mother of this. I wish to speak with Marka in private now."
"As a friend I will do as you ask." Durc gave a knowing nod as he walked past Brac and discreetly signed, 'Only the brave win,' which was a metaphor to encourage Brac to express his feelings. Brac understood Durc's cryptic statement and noted an Others smile grimace on Durc's face as his friend passed by. Oddly, Brac and Marka were now alone as two adults for the very first time in their lives.
"Marka, my heart would also be hurt if you were to leave. I have been feeling things for you for many summers but feared you would be embarrassed if I spoke of such."
"Yes, I may have been embarrassed, but I am strong and would have survived any embarrassment. Leader Brac, you have said I may speak freely and in doing so I wish to say my feelings for you are strong and often keep me awake at night. Your presence is what I wish for."
"I too have problems in sleeping and for like reason. I would like to talk with you more and I can make some tea for us as we talk." Marka liked seeing Brac sign the word 'us.'
"Brac, I will make the tea for both of us and would be pleased to make your tea for the rest of my life." Marka felt this was a one-time chance to fully convey the feelings in her heart and being told she could speak freely was what allowed her to do so.
Brac's heart was instantly ready to burst. Marka had just indirectly stated her desire to mate with him. The statements between the two kindled a fire in both people. It was a fire of joy and freedom and unmatched by any other feeling in the past.
"Marka, I have seen Durc hold his mate to his chest. He calls the action a 'hug' and says it is an expression of joy and caring; I would like to hug you."
"It would be my full pleasure to be held in your arms. I too have seen Durc hug Ura and often thought of the joy it may hold. I have also seen Durc and Ura bring their lips together as they hug." A fire had been lit and this was all that was needed to begin a lifetime together for the two... and a son and daughter as well.
The Karren tribe was right where Leader Kregg said it might be and the two women could see the enclave from a hillside above the camp. "It looks to be a very small tribe Ayla."
"Yes, it does look small and I see no activity. I see nothing to fear or cause concern so let's go down and into the camp." Ayla, Barrie, and their two shadow hunters made it to the camp without being stopped, no guards were present. "Hello this place," Ayla shouted out. "Is anyone near?" Hearing sounds from the back of what looked to be the main cave, Ayla felt someone would be coming to them soon.
A man emerged from the mouth of the cave and spoke in a hushed tone. "Hello, friends, what brings you to the Karren tribe? If you are in need, we have little to offer but will offer whatever assistance we can."
Ayla now matched the man's volume and tone. "I am Ayla, First Zelandoni of all Zelandonii tribes far to the West and near to the end of the world. These two hunters are Bandoman and Jaradal.
"The young Medicine Woman next to me is called Barrie. We are here because Barrie is of the Karren Tribe and has been lost to you some six summers."
"You say this young girl is a Medicine Woman?"
"Yes, she is a Medicine Woman. Do you have need of us?"
"My name is Ronnde, and yes, we have urgent need of you. Inside this cave is a woman trying to give birth to her first child. The baby's feet want to come out first, but the woman cannot push the baby out. We don't know what to do and the woman is getting weak."
Barrie now took charge, "Lead us to the woman quickly." Barrie then began giving directions to Ronnde as she followed him. "I will need boiled water and any clean woven gauze bandage cloth you may have. Have someone boil more water after the first bowl is ready. I will also need a sleeping fur and if you have soap root, I want it and a bowl as well. In addition, I will need a clean leather tunic. It does not need to be new, just clean." Barrie was direct in stating her wants and needs and Ayla mindfully noted everything Barrie said.
Remaining outside the cave and seeing the meager camp, Bandoman and Jaradal were surprised when three malnourished children walked by. Jaradal thought, 'This tribe needs food; don't their hunters know how to hunt?' Both Bandoman and Jaradal were thinking the same thing. Momentarily looking at each other and without a word being said, the two hunters headed out to find game. They could see no danger here.
Reaching the woman's bedside, Barrie was surprised to see twenty or so people clustered around the straw pad where the woman was laying.
"Everyone must leave and leave NOW!" Barrie had shouted in a commanding voice and purposely emphasized the word 'now.' "If your Spirit Leader is present, he or she should stay. I also want you, and you, to stay with me during the time I am helping this woman."
Barrie had pointed to each of the two women she wanted. Both were roughly twenty-five summers. Ayla was silent in all this and was impressed by Barrie's manner and ability to command action to fit her needs.
Barrie looked directly at the two women she had chosen, "I want more light. Please bring me as many fat-burning lamps as you can quickly find and then light them. I would like to have as much light as possible and I don't want to move the woman."
"Yes, we can collect and bring them to you." With that, the two women scurried away and returned just as Barrie finished examining the woman. The additional fat-burning lamps were soon shedding light.
Now stepping forward from the shadows, an older woman began to speak. "I am Jana, Spirit Leader of the Karren Tribe. I know not who you are, but I can see you are a Medicine Woman and are here to help us. Is there anything I can do to assist you?" Jana had determined Barrie to be a medicine woman and in charge simply due to seeing her take charge and command others with authority. The Spirit Leader was addressing Barrie, not Ayla.
"Yes, Jana," Barrie said, "pray The Great Earth Mother looks down upon this woman and child with mercy. Beyond that, I would know this woman's name." Ayla was impressed Barrie had said, 'Great Earth Mother' instead of saying, 'Ursus' as she was accustomed to. This again showed Barrie to have presence of mind in a life and death situation.
"The woman's name is 'Mairee' and her mate is with the group you told to leave."
"This is good Jana. Please see to it that no one comes in except on errand. Her mate is not to come in until I give instruction to do so, am I understood?" Barrie was in charge and the three Karren women knew it. Jana gave a single and slow nod of her head showing she would comply with Barrie's directives.
With the added light, Barrie did a second but quicker assessment of the woman's condition and demanded whatever hot water was available even if it had not reached a boil. Ronnde soon entered with the first two bladders of additional water, the soap root, and the bowl Barrie had asked for.
"Thank you Ronnde, now I need the clean tunic and the woven bandage material and then follow quickly with the sleeping fur." Ronnde left and soon returned with all the things Barrie had requested. "Ronnde, you should leave now, and I thank you for helping." This was a somewhat curt dismissal but under the circumstances Leader Ronnde understood.
"Ayla, I ask you to kneel by Mairee and hold her hands. Speak to her and calm her as best you can. I am going to need to turn the child inside the womb. I can hear two heartbeats and I don't think the life cord is choking the child, but I need to make certain."
Now Barrie turned the baby to deliver head-first. The cord was not tangled, and Barrie drew back. It was time for Mairee to push again. "Push Mairee, push on your body's next urging." Moments passed and another urge came. "Push hard, that's right, push as hard as you can Mairee. The baby's head is showing, it's coming... Push Mairee, push," Ayla encouraged.
"Auggh! Mairee screamed as she gritted her teeth and pushed.
"I can see the child's head and now the shoulders are clear," Barrie exclaimed. In only a moment the entire child slid out and onto the leather tunic Ronnde had provided. Barrie had some woven bandage in her hand and cleared the child's nose and mouth and was ready to slap the child's bottom when the baby voiced a cry. There was no need to spank, the handling and cool cave air enveloping the child was shock enough. Barrie tied the umbilical cord and then cut it.
"Barrie, I will take and clean the child while you finish with Mairee." Ayla was feeling great pride in Barrie for what she had just done. Finished with the birthing, Barrie wiped and rinsed the mother clean and placed the sleeping fur over her.
Ayla had finished cleaning the little girl and placed the child in Mairee's arms.
Seeing the need, the two Karren women Barrie had asked to stay now went into action by cleaning the room of the soiled tunic, woven material, and other unneeded things while Barrie cleaned herself up.
Barrie called out, "Ronnde, you may let Mairee's mate come in now, but only her mate, and then tell the gathered people they have a new little girl who wants to join their tribe."
The birthing done, Barrie and Ayla went outside for a breath of fresh air. Those who had been sent out were waiting for the medicine woman to come out and began giving cheers for what Barrie had done and insisted on shaking her hand. Barrie wasn't expecting this but handled the people well.
"Barrie, you were fantastic in there. You took control and spoke with strength. In doing this, you saved the life of both mother and child. Do you realize that?"
"You could have done the same Ayla."
"Yes, but you miss my point. YOU saved two lives a few moments ago and you did it without hesitation in your actions. This was your first act as a declared Medicine Woman, and you should be proud in having done it!"
"...But I saw this in my training."
"All Medicine Women see things when in training because that is the very nature of training." Barrie let the event sink in and accepted her first act as an official Medicine Woman as being a blessing from The Great Earth Mother. "Barrie, I do have one question, why did you choose two women and ask them to remain while you were caring for Mairee?"
"For two reasons Ayla. First, so I had someone on hand who knows the camp and its people so a further need could best be accomplished, and second that the two women each saw the things I did and would not be helpless should they ever be in a similar situation; they received an education."
Spirit Leader Jana left Mairiee and her mate a few moments after Barrie and Ayla had left. Now outside and catching up with the two she spoke, "As you may remember, I am Jana, Spirit Leader of the Karren, I wish to speak with you. Our Medicine Woman went to the Spirit World many summers ago and our numbers have been dwindling since that time.
"Moving away is a good part of the lessening numbers as families did not want to be without medicinals and the ready care of a Medicine Woman. One of them had relatives in another tribe northeast of the Karren. The trek would take sixty days or more but at least they had a medicine woman. Consider this, because we obviously need a Medicine Woman." Jana was speaking directly to Barrie.
"Nine of our people have died due to the lack of a Medicine Woman. We were fifty-three people at the time she passed and now have only twenty-eight.
It was time for Ayla to speak up, "This young Medicine Woman is named Barrie and my name is Ayla. Barrie has told me she and her sister were part of your tribe many summers ago. Her parents had gone out to see if they..."
"...If they could find another tribe the Karren could join with." Spirit Leader Jana had perked up at hearing the name 'Barrie' and had cut Ayla's statement short. "Barrie, your father and mother were leaders and took you and your sister on a search as they felt you were both too young to be away from them. It was only your search group that never came back. I remember you and Ava very well ayor mother was my best friend."
"Yes, my sister's name is Ava!" Barrie eagerly spoke. "Our parents went to the Spirit World when a cliff they were standing on crumbled beneath their feet. Ava and I were suddenly alone and without protection and we had no idea how to get back to the Karren. Hungry and scared, we wandered the land for two days. A Clan hunting party found us and took us in rather than allow us to die by predator or starvation in the wilderness.
"We didn't sign Clan, and they couldn't speak a language and we couldn't even tell them which direction we came from; we didn't really know. Ava was in the Clan for five summers and was then bartered away. I was bartered away after being with the Clan for six summers.
"We were bartered to the same family so I feel confident we will see each other again. Jana, I have a question I am hoping you may know the answer to; what were the names of our mother and father?"
"You don't know your parent's names?"
"No, Jana, we don't. All we ever called them was mother and father. Neither Ava or I remember their names or anything."
"Barrie, your mother was named Vernah and your father's name was Elmar. He was our Hunt Leader, and he was also good at fixing broken things. Your mother loved baking and she could make a flavored roll of travel cake no one has ever matched. She could cook anything perfectly...except meat. She insisted on cooking a slab of meat until it was tough and tasteless and had the same gray color on the inside as on the outside."
"Why would she do that?" Barrie asked.
"No one knows the answer to that. I suppose it was probably something in her early life. The only other possibility is punishment for you and Ava being noisy children." Both Barrie and Ayla had to chuckle at Jana's accusatory statement. "Another thing I know is that your parents loved you two."
"Thank you, Jana. Ava will be pleased to know these things, but I need to ask, do Ava and I have any family still in the Karren?"
"You and Ava have three older sisters but only one is still with the Karren, the other two sisters have moved away. You also have three older brothers and just like your sisters, only one of them is still with the Karren. He is the youngest of the three brothers." Barrie was excited to hear of her extended family and looked forward to telling Ava.
"Jana, can you tell me about him?"
"Barrie, his name is Mook. He was somewhat of a recluse within our tribe and seldom talks with family…Or anyone else for that matter.
Those in your family and many of those in our tribe have tried to engage him but such was his way even before your parents left us. Your family regretted his absence."
"Your middle brother, Tahma, was eleven summers older than you and was extremely outgoing. "He was a handful in his youth and was always telling your mother how she should run the family.
This irritated your mother to no end, yet in most instances he was right, or at least thought he was. In Tahma's mind, being with family was right, not being with family was wrong.
Jana continued, "Your oldest brother, Kertem, had an ability to fix things as did Mook and Tahma. Kertem's favorite thing in the world was water and he developed his craft of fishing just to be close to it. Kertem was generally considered wise but Tahma would protest that statement. This was just because there was always a friendly rivalry between the two.
"Tahma would openly discount Kertem's wisdom when talking with his brother just to get a rise out of him. Kurtem expected such and protested every time then would follow up with his own teasing statement aimed at Tahma. Understand, both men respected each other and teasing each other was pleasing to both brothers."
"Where are Kertem and Tahma now?"
"Barrie, I don't really know where they are, but some summers back I was told Kertem mated a woman from a different tribe, 'Vic' was her name and the couple had two children. I was also told he and his mate often helped out children in need much the same as Donah, your middle sister did. Donah, Kertem, and Vic were admired for that."
"Can you tell me about Donah and my other sister and where they are?" Barrie was memorizing all the information Jana was relating to her.
"Your sister Donah had a big heart and family was the most important thing in her life. Just to be kind, she would make things like baskets and pouches.
"She would then just give them away to anyone in need. After your parents failed to return from their search, she mated with a man named 'Hutch' and moved away; again, I don't know where.
"Another sister, Necee, had two different mates over the summers and left both of them because they proved to care for barma more than they cared for her. A third man was good enough to her, but the relationship fell short."
Barrie had lost track of the head count and spoke, "Jana, why would Ava not tell me of these brothers and sisters during the time we were still together?"
"It is not for me to say. Perhaps it was too painful to speak of those she missed, or maybe because she knew they moved away and with your parents being in the Spirit World, perhaps she didn't want to cause you pain."
"Thank you for making me aware of these things Jana. I have an adopted family now and they show love and compassion always. I would ask that you make Mook aware that Ava and I still live and that I anticipate being with the Karren over the winter. Also tell him that seeing me must be his decision because I will not purposely intrude on him in any way. If Mook wants to see me, he will have full opportunity."
Ayla was surprised when Barrie told Jana she would be with the Karren over the winter. Barrie's brief statement showed a maturity beyond her summers. "Jana, do you have others who need medicinals or other help?" Barrie showed concern in her question.
"Yes, there are several needing care. Two have pain when they walk, and one young boy has a broken arm that is not healing properly. In addition, one hunter has a bad cut that is festering, and two younger women have problems they will not discuss with a man. One person has chest pains. Can you help these people?"
"It will be The Great Earth Mother who ultimately decides these things, but I will do all I can, and it is possible we can help many if not all of them." Jana felt relieved that competent help had arrived. Barrie's voice was calm and reassuring.
"Barrie, you said, 'we,' is there another Medicine Woman coming to us?"
"She is already here." Barrie swung her arm outward towards Ayla.
"Ayla, you are a Medicine Woman like Barrie?"
Barrie didn't want Ayla to feel uncomfortable in speaking of herself and spoke before Ayla could answer. "Jana, Ayla is First Medicine Woman of the Zelandonii tribe and is one of two teachers who have taught and mentored me. The Zelandonii number over one thousand people and have abilities you haven't even dreamed of.
"For example, she taught me, and I can teach you, how to start a fresh fire in the wilderness without the need of a burning stick or ember. After kindling a fire, the time needed to start it burning is about the same amount of time as needed to put on walking leathers." Jana had no idea what a 'thousand' was and was highly doubtful of Barrie's claim in the starting of fires.
"Are you saying if I were to kindle a fire right here and now, you can start the kindling to burn as quickly as you claim? With respect Barrie, I doubt you can prove your claim to be true."
"I can prove it to be true, and in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea I can teach you how to do it yourself."
Ayla was enjoying the scene before her and didn't want to spoil Barrie's fun. She herself had been in the same situation many times and was pleased to stand back and watch Barrie pass along the knowledge of how to start a fire. With true disbelief and building a resentment at being lied to, Jana quickly kindled a small fire then stepped back.
"Barrie, as you can see, I have kindled a small fire and I now ask you to prove what you claim as fact." Jana hated lies and would not abide such even if the lie was in jest. Barrie knelt and without hesitation, aimed her spark path, and with a glancing blow struck her flint rock against her black firestone to create the needed sparks. Jana's eyes grew large as puffs of smoke appeared and Barrie gently waved her hand to prompt a flame from within the kindling.
The fire grew quickly as Jana stared wide eyed. "BARRIE, I AM YOUR SISTER."
"Jana, we are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of The Great Earth Mother."
"Yes, we are, and I am your oldest sister just as I am older sister to Donah, Kertem, Tahma, Mook, Necee, Ava, and you. The last two children in the family were you and Ava; Elmar and Vernah were my parents also." Now it was Barrie's eyes growing large. The two sisters stepped to stand face to face and fully embraced each other. Finding Jana was totally unexpected, as was hearing of her family.
Ayla and Barrie visited each of those needing medical attention. Barrie led the examinations as her mentor watched. A hunter with a festering cut required a thorough cleaning of the wound and a rinse of boiled Lion's-tooth weed. Sewing the wound closed would allow it to heal and a poultice with a baine-weed base would absorb any future festering and assist in the healing.
A lung infection and a resulting fever was the next problem. Ayla talked to Barrie about the magic mold and Barrie made the medicinal with Ayla's guidance and then administered it to the young man.
The person Barrie chose to see next was a woman about thirty-five summers in age. "You have a sickness in your pee. I have a medicinal that should take care of the problem, but you need to drink much more water than you have the habit to do. This is a serious sickness and can reoccur. Drinking the extra water every day will greatly lessen the chances of it coming back" The woman was grateful Barrie could help her.
Of the two people having pain when walking, one needed only a muscle relaxer and massage. The second person, an older woman, had a bone problem in her hip. "Your hip problem is permanent and will not get better. "I can give you medicinals for your pain but the best thing you can do is not to walk around in excess. The more you walk the worse the problem will get."
A young girl looking to be only twelve or thirteen summers was next. Her problem was menses pains. "You need to place very warm stones on your pelvic region and drink a pain killer of mashed hemp weed tea."
Barrie had saved the boy with the broken arm for last. What he needed was going to take some time and a second person. His broken bone was not reset correctly, and the bone break was not healing properly because of it.
"Ayla, I could use your help here. I am told the break was four or five weeks ago. I will need to re-break the bone and work with it to get a good matching of the bone ends. Do you have a major pain killer of any type or a sleep inducer with you?"
"The best thing I have is just a small piece of the Clan's sacred memory root. It would make the boy unconscious for a time and allow you to do as you describe. "Someone will need to talk to him after the procedure. It would be best to have his mother or father do this because he will recognize the voices.
"During the recovery time, that person must talk to him softly and start calling him to come back. They must reassure him of his safety as he comes back. Understand, the parents should not be present during the actual procedure as it is upsetting to see your child's bones being intentionally broken."
"Ayla, I have never heard of this memory root. Can you show me how to make this sleep inducer?"
"Yes, but understand, the root is powerful and can kill the body if too much is taken. The child will see parts of the Spirit World and that is why voices he knows and trusts are needed to call him back.
"Also, tell no one in the Clan that you know of this root. The Clan depends on it for memory ceremonies and speaking with Ursus; it would not be a good idea to let them know you are aware of the sacred drink."
"What sacred drink? Ayla, what you just took out of your carry pouch is nothing but a short stick."
"Barrie, the 'stick' you speak of, is the memory root I speak of. I am going to break this short piece of memory root into two pieces. You will chew your root and I will chew mine, and we will spit our mouth juice into a single cup. When the cup is half-full, we can give it to the boy as a pain killer drink."
"I must emphasize the spitting because we must be VERY careful not swallow any of the juice the chewing produces. I will explain it to you more fully after we are finished with the child and he returns from the Spirit World."
"Ayla, the child is not going to want to drink our mouth juice!"
"Barrie, he has a choice; he can suffer terrible pain as we repair the break or just sleep and wake up with the pain gone. In effect, this is a pain killer medicinal and that is all he needs to be told."
The drink worked well, and the boy returned from the Spirit World. Waking up, the child found his arm was splinted and not hurting a bit. There would be pain when the memory root drink fully wears off, but nothing as bad as what it was before. Barrie would also give him a mild sedative; the broken bone would heal properly now. Barrie was looking forward to Ayla's speaking of the root and where it can be found. She considered this as an extremely good tool in the world of medicinals even though it wasn't really an a true medicinal. After speaking with Barrie about the memory root, Barrie told Ayla of things she wanted to speak about with Ronnde and the other leaders of the Karren. She also spoke of an idea related to the Markaii outcasts.
Ayla now spoke of her plans. "Barrie, I have decided Bandoman and I will be leaving in several days to head back to Durc and the rest of my Clan family. Jaradal will be with you and will protect you as the four of us have previously discussed. I now have two questions for you." Ayla paused for a moment to give Barrie a chance to compose her thoughts in anticipation of the upcoming questions.
"Barrie, what are you and what is your pledge?"
"I am a Medicine Woman and "DO NO HARM is my pledge."
"Ayla... Barrie... we have prepared some food for you. If you would follow me, I would be pleased to take you to our central hearth." Ronnde displayed a broad smile as he approached Jana and the two Medicine Women.
"Thank you Ronnde, I guess we are a bit hungry," Ayla replied. Ronnde led the two women towards the central hearth and various people nodded as they passed. Everyone seemed skinny and malnourished. "Where are your two hunters Ayla?" Ronnde had seen them when Ayla and Barrie came into the camp.
"Knowing my hunters, they are out in the forest and hunting for game. I am sure they will come back with a buck or two. We saw quite a few on the way here."
"That would be more than our hunters have been able to do. Darvon was our Hunt Leader, but he was killed by boars three summers ago. Our hunters were on a hillside and he had walked down to a small pool of water below. He must not have seen the boar at the water's edge. The animal attacked him, and we heard Darvon's pain-filled screams. Looking down from the hillside we saw the boar's rapid and repeated attacks. It was spearing and slashing Darvon with sharp tusks. Spearing Darvon's legs, he couldn't run, and he fell to the ground.
Then a second boar came from nowhere and both animals went after his body. All of this happened so fast we could do nothing to save him. Our remaining hunters are struggling to get kills. Traygar is our hunt leader now but is no better or worse than the rest of our hunters. Their distance and accuracy with throwing spears is not good, and the larger game stay well away from our men."
"Ronnde, I believe we can help you with that problem," Ayla said this with a tone of certainty in her voice that surprised the leader. Ronnde, Ayla, and Barrie arrived at the central in hearth and two bone platters had been placed side by side Each plate had a modest amount of greens, and one slice of a small tomato; this was the best the Karren could present.
"This looks good! Don't you think so Ayla?" Barrie realized what was going on and wanted to let Ayla know it.
"Yes, this looks very good." Both women felt bad about taking food away from the Karren and Ayla wanted to change the point of focus. "Ronnde, who are you in the Karren tribe? It appears you are a leader."
"Ayla, I am a leader because we have no real leaders. I have arbitrarily assumed the position simply because someone must lead. I hope you don't mind or take any offense."
"Ronnde, taking on the role of leader shows me you are a leader in spite of how you see yourself."
"Thank you, yet I know this meal isn't..." A shout rang out.
"Ronnde, Ronnde! We have a buck in hand!" Ronnde had been interrupted by a guard who was now helping Bandoman and Jaradal drag a gutted deer into the camp. Stopping at the central hearth, both hunters glanced at Ayla. A slight nod and a minor tipping of Ayla's head fully acknowledged their achievement and encouraged them to go back out for additional game. Both men accepted the nod of approval with pleasure. Five Karren women quickly began to skin and butcher the deer Bandoman had downed.
Upon going out a second time, three Karren hunters followed Bandoman and Jaradal but stayed well back of the visiting strangers. They didn't want to hinder the two men by scaring game away. Jaradal downed an auroch shortly after going back out and Bandoman followed up with his second kill of the day by downing another buck; the day's hunt was finished.
The three Karren hunters carried the felled deer back to their people and the five women butchering the first kill were surprised when a second gutted buck was brought to them.
Two men and one woman worked to skewer the first skinned animal, and the same two men mounted the loaded skewer pole over what would soon be a roasting fire. Others in the Karren had already started placing small limbs, brush, and leaves in the large roasting pit. Larger limbs would be added once a firm fire was established. The fire in the large pit would be started by getting a hot coal from the same fire that had provided the hot water for Mairee's birthing.
"The spears these two strangers have are far better than ours. They obviously fly much farther than our spears do." Jaradal and Bandoman were pleased when they overheard the Karren hunter's statement. The three Karren hunters who had followed Bandoman and Jaradal quickly went back to the downed auroch and gutted the carcass. The butchering of the auroch would need to be done in the field because the animal weighed well more than the three men could drag as a whole.
After Barrie was finished with the sick and injured, Colan, the Karren tribe's fire starter, began to create fire by rubbing two sticks together. He did this even though knowing hot coals were available from the fire used to boil water for Mariee's birthing. He wanted to show the four strangers that he could start fresh fires for his people.
It was going to take quite a bit of time to achieve flame and everyone knew not every attempt to start a fire was successful. This was reason enough to show the strangers he was a capable man; 'they will be impressed.'
"Barrie..." Ayla said to get the attention of her companion. Barrie looked up and Ayla tilted her head toward the man trying to start a fire. Gleaning Ayla's intent, Barrie reached into her travel pouch for her firestones then walked to the man at the fire pit.
"Hello sir, my name is Barrie. My companion has taught me a way to easily start a fire by using two rocks. If you would allow me, I can quickly start your fire."
"My name is 'Colan,' and I am the fire starter for the Karren Tribe. I am also one of my tribe's hunters. I have been told of you because of what you did to help Mairee give birth. Child, you are young and speak of starting a fire quickly. Just how quickly do you think you can start such a fire? I know little, but what I do know is that medicinals don't start fires."
"Colan, I am pleased to meet you, and I have an answer to your question. Providing your wood is dry and kindled properly, I can start a fire in less time than it took for you to rise from your sleeping fur when you awoke this morning." Knowing his likely response, Barrie gave Colan a broad smile.
Colan replied in a whimsical and slightly exaggerated tone. "Yes, child, and I can run faster than the wind and I can fly like the birds do. Nolin, come to me, my son, this Medicine Woman has fire in her pocket and has offered to start my kindling to burn instantly. I want to see this event and I want you to see it too."
Barrie now showed a wry grin on her face as she got on her knees and readjusted Colan's kindling just a bit. "This is how to best start a fresh fire." Firestones in hand, she aimed the spark and struck the stones together; six strong sparks flew from the rocks. The dried moss Colan had placed at one edge of the kindling began to smoke and a wave of Barrie's hand was enough air movement to bring about a flame.
'Great Mother! This girl... this young Medicine Woman... has created fire using rocks! She started my fire as quickly as she said she could and no more than knelt next to the kindling than I saw smoke and a flame!' Thoughts of this event caused a very large smile to come across Colan's face. "Barrie, I can't really run faster than the wind, and I can't really fly like a bird. Perhaps someday you can teach me how to do these things as well."
This caused Barrie to smile. In the spirit of the moment, she responded, "Colan, only Ayla, my mentor, can teach you how to do those two things." Her tone was serious and Colan felt a shiver. At this point, he believed her, at this point he would believe anything this young woman said.
Colan's young son had watched and was also surprised to see rocks start a fresh fire. He was quickly smitten with the red-haired girl; she looked to be his own age, she was good looking, and he was now aware she has magical powers.
The evening's meal was a celebration. "Everyone! Everyone! Please listen!" Ronnde was standing in front of the roasting pit and was shouting to his people. "Our thanks go to Barrie, Ayla, and their two hunters, Jaradal and Bandoman. It is because of them the Karren live again. We have been blessed by The Great Earth Mother; we not only have two extremely capable hunters with us, we also have two Medicine Women among us as well." Ronnde could say nothing more because the shouts from the assembled people were numerous and loud. "Thank you! Thank you!"
Quieting the people, Ronnde looked directly at the four newcomers and continued, "We of the Karren Tribe open ourselves to you. We hope you would each consider staying with the Karren tribe. Your abilities and your kindness humbles us, and you have the heartfelt appreciation of every person here." Another round of cheers rose from the people. "Please, tell our people where you come from and why you are here."
Barrie and Ayla looked at each other; "Ayla, you're the one who brought us here." This made Ayla smile. Barrie had shown her desire to sidestep the limelight and it showed her to be someone not wanting to boast or draw attention to herself.
Ayla spoke, "My name is Ayla and these two hunters are Bandoman and Jaradal. The three of us are of the Zelandonii tribe. Our tribe is twelve months west of the Karren and we are an extremely large tribe. The young Medicine Woman with me is called Barrie. She was born within the Karren Tribe but has spent six summers with the Clan after their hunters found her and her sister wandering in the wilderness. We have seen your need and we four have talked about how we may best help you. If the Karren would allow it, Barrie and Jaradal will stay with you over the winter. Barrie would act as Medicine Woman and Jaradal would act as Hunt Leader.
Bandoman and I will be with the Clan of the Cave Bear this coming winter. The Clan raised me from a child, and I left as a woman. They were my family and provided me a home. My Clan is nearby as it is only six days east by southeast of the Karren. In the spring, we four will begin traveling back to the lands of the Zelandonii. This is where Barrie can be reunited with her older sister, Ava."
"Ayla, without question, the Karren people will allow Barrie and Jaradal to stay for the winter. There are no words to express our gratitude for the food, firestones, medicinals and skills you, Barrie, Bandoman, and Jaradal have shared with us. The Karren people thank you for these things."
Ronnde was happy with this turn of events and his pleasure showed as he shouted, "COME EVERYONE, TWO DEER HAUNCHES ARE ROASTED AND WE CAN NOW SHARE A PROPER MEAL!" The Karren would again have a Medicine Woman and an experienced hunter. These two wouldn't stay forever, but they would be with the Karren over the winter.
Barrie checked on Mairee and her baby girl the next morning. "Mairee, everything looks good for both you and your baby. I don't think you are going to have any problems."
"Thank you, Barrie. Things just weren't right for me until you arrived." Mairee looked lovingly at her child, "I thank you for saving my child's life and my life as well…Barrie."
"What?" Barrie thought Mairee was wanting to ask a question.
"Barrie... That is my child's name."
"What is your child's name?" Barrie thought she had heard wrong.
"Barrie is my child's name. I named her after you. I am sorry if I confused you."
"Yes, I was confused for a moment. You would name your little girl after me?"
"Absolutely. You are the one who saved our lives and I want to honor you in this way, do you mind?"
"In the past have been given thanks for helping others, but I have never had a child named after me. I am-deeply-honored-that-you-would.. do.. a... a thing like that." Barrie was choking up while speaking and her eyes were watering as well.
"Would you like to hold little Barrie?"
"Yes, I would indeed enjoy holding the little sweetheart." Barrie cooed over the child for a good time and ended when the child demanded nourishment.
"Mairee, I think little Barrie would like some warm milk."
"Yes, she likes to make her wishes known. Barrie, I will remember this for the rest of my life. Thank you for helping in my time of need."
It was two days after Ayla's group had first arrived at the Karren when Jaradal spoke with the two wood crafters of the tribe. "My name is 'Jaradal.' May I ask your names?"
"I am Ninolin and this is Fonnte, what need brings you to us?"
"Ninolin, a wood project that must be done quickly is my need. The weapon I hold in my hand is called a spearthrower and is what we used to down the two deer and auroch so quickly after we arrived. Six Karren hunters will be taught how to use the weapon, and I need a spearthrower made for each of the hunters. As you can see, the spears the spearthrower uses are a shorter than a normal throwing spear and the darts are half the length of the shorter spear. Can you make them?"
"We would need your spearthrower for a day, and one of your small darts and one of the spearthrower spears for a pattern," Ninolin said. The two men now went into a brief planning session.
"Fonnte, I think you and I can craft the spearthrower shells in two days, but it will take longer to do the smoothing than making the rough shells."
"Ninolin, we are only making six of them and I think I know how to get the smoothing done in just one day."
"Exactly how would that be done so quickly?"
"It should take one day to smooth each spearthrower. Obviously, that means six days. If you do three and I do three, that cuts the time to three days. But, if we get the six hunters to do the smoothing, that means only one day!
"Fonnte, you and I can each guide three men so there is quality in the smoothing and the hunters may even compete with each other over who has the best smoothing… But I fear your trembling old hands will hinder you in guiding your three men." Ninolin smiled after giving the teasing insult.
The tease would not be ignored. "Ninolin, that sounds like a good idea, but I am surprised you are ready to lose again, it's only ten days since your last loss to me. Shall I call your helper for you?"
"Fonte, you know I have no helper."
"You have one but just can't remember him. He is a child of only five summers."
"This child of five summers you speak of, exactly how does he help me?"
"Ninolin, you can't remember squat. He helps you by finding your small and withered member so you don't continue peeing on yourself." Fonnte had a smile on his face and turned to address Jaradal before Ninolin could reply. "Yes, Jaradal, Ninolin and I can make the spearthrowers, darts, and spears but we have no stone knapper to make the spear heads. "
"I'm not a knapper," Jaradal said, "but among other things, Ayla's mate is a stone knapper and he taught me how to make spearheads. I need to make the flint blades for the darts and spears, so I had best get busy making them."
"...And we will start making the spearthrower shells." Ninolin was confident he and Fonnte could get the project done quickly. The spears and darts would begin to be made after the spearthrowers were finished. It wasn't long before two thirteen summer boys went to Jaradal asking if he would teach them how to make spearheads. The three men enjoyed making the needed spearheads and the two young men soon had the beginnings of a stone knappers skill.
While Jaradal was speaking with the Karren wood crafters, Ayla and Barrie were meeting with Ronnde, the unofficial tribe leader, and with Jana, the tribe's Spirit Leader. "Before Bandoman and I leave the Karren, I have something for your people to consider over the coming winter." Ayla was serious and the opportunity was real.
"In the spring, Bandoman and I will be traveling with Sky, my wolf companion, and we will be coming here to reunite with Barrie and Jaradal and then the five of us will trek west for eight months. This will get us to a tribe known as 'Lion Camp.' I know the camp and its people and we can reach it before the winter snows come.
"We will also have a group similar to yours traveling with us. They are self-outcasts from a tribe known as 'The Markaii.' The hunters in this group refused to attack and plunder some peaceful tribe north of the Markaii people. The new tribal leader, 'Muckee,' made life miserable for anyone who failed to do his bidding. The self-outcast Markaii are twenty-six in number.
"Now without a tribe, they were wanderers looking to merge with an established tribe. Like the Karren, they were unsuccessful and needed food and a medicine woman. Assuming each of your twenty-eight people travels with us, there will likely be fifty-eight or so people traveling with Barrie, Bandoman, Jaradal and myself. Understand, Lion Camp is in need of new members. They were at fifty-two members but are now only thirty-one. Just like you, they have been without a Medicine Woman for a long time, and nature has taken its toll."
"These other two tribes have no medicine Woman?" Ronnde exclaimed. "If they don't, the result will be three tribes into one and numbering around ninety in total and all three tribes would still be without a Medicine Woman!"
"Barrie and I have thought of that and have discussed it. The second leader of my Clan is my son 'Durc.' He has agreed to request the first leader, 'Brac,' to order a Medicine Woman known as 'Marka' to travel with us and remain with Lion Camp until a new Medicine Woman can take over.
"If Marka does come with us, being full Clan, she would need someone to interpret so she would bring a helper with her as a companion, interpreter, and apprentice. If for some reason Marka does not come with us to Lion Camp, it may be possible Barrie would agree to serve Lion Camp as Medicine Woman until another is found."
"These things give me hope," Ronnde replied, "and I again want you to know that the Karren Tribe owes you a debt of gratitude we can never fully express or repay. I get choked up just thinking of all your group has done and are continuing to do. Ayla, is there anything I can do for you at this moment, something you may want or need? Would you like me to be your manservant?" The 'manservant' offer was given in jest and rendered a smile from Ayla.
"Thank you Ronnde. I need nothing but would enjoy some tea and conversation if you have some time."
"Ayla, I would enjoy having conversation with you. Walk with me to my hearth and we can have some tea." The pair now walked to Ronnde's hearth where he made a tea Ayla was unfamiliar with.
"This is an unusual tea Ronnde, what is it?"
"Honestly Ayla, I don't really know. The Karren ran out of the usual teas several summers ago. We experimented with the leaves and fruit of different plants, trees, and weeds and found a leafy weed that we could make a decent tea with."
"Your tea is made from the leaves of a weed?"
"Yes, we make a mild tea from the leaves and it lessens anxieties. It also works well in easing mild headaches, and mild pains. A much stronger tea comes from the flower buds of the weed. When torn apart and dried, the buds get crushed and used to make a stronger drink. The mild tea is one thing, 'Canab' tea is another.
"We named the stronger of the two teas 'Canab tea' and it seems pleasing to all. I know it soothes my anxieties and does extremely well in ending strong bone pains and body aches in our older people and it also ends even severe headaches."
"Ronnde, what do you call the milder tea?"
"We have a special name for the mild drink, we call it 'tea'." This was said with a straight face and Ronnde knew his reply would draw a smile, and it did.
"I would like to know more of this weed, could you show me where it grows?"
"Ayla, I would be pleased to show you. It grows wild but for ease in gathering, we planted some of the weed's seed and in time the seeds came alive and grew. Doing this, we now call it a plant instead of a weed. We add a touch of honey when it is available. The tea is somewhat bitter without the honey but the benefits of drinking it far outweigh the bitterness."
"Ronnde, I can see this as a potential medicinal, but why did you name it 'Canab' tea?"
"Everything must be called something, so I asked the family that found it to give the tea a name. It turns out they had an ancestor named 'Canab,' and chose the name to honor him."
"I will remember the name and pass it along to others. I feel the knowledge of this weed and its two teas is worth anything we have provided the Karren and I think many will benefit from it."
"Ayla, I will be back shortly, as nature demands a moment of my time," Ronnde said.
