CHAPTER 20: Getting Ready
When living with the Karren, Azalakesh was included in the conversations and decisions among the three Karren leaders as he was a former Karren Hunt Leader known by all to be fair, truthful, and reliable; he could keep a confidence as well. Jana was the tribe's official Spirit Leader, and Traygar was the current Hunt Leader.
Ronnde acted as First Leader of the Karren tribe which was something he felt he must take on since no one else volunteered or accepted nomination to lead the small tribe. It was two summers ago when the prior leader died of a fever that could not be controlled. Barrie was now with them along with Jaradal but Ayla and Bandoman had left to return to Ayla's Clan.
The four current leaders were meeting and discussing what to do now that a Medicine Woman and a skilled hunter was among them. Ronnde was the first to speak. "Everyone, I think we should include Medicine Woman Barrie in our discussions. She is Karren and although taken away at a young age, I suggest she is qualified to be with us because she thinks clearly and is very concise in her thoughts."
Feeling the suggestion was valid, Azalakesh, Traygar, and Jana agreed. "I will go to Barrie and bring her here." Ronnde soon returned with Barrie and the group of five sat down for a frank discussion. "Barrie, I did not tell you why I asked you to follow me and I will now speak of why... please hear me out. Those you see here comprise the leadership of the Karren Tribe. You are of the Karren and are now serving as our Medicine Woman. We know you to be young, but you have a maturity level and mindset that surpasses your age. We have much to speak of and much to plan and we ask you to sit with us as a leader and help determine the future of our tribe. Will you do this?" Remembering what she had told Ayla, 'I will have renewed confidence in myself and will show it in my manner and my actions,' Barrie answered.
"I am honored you feel as you do and I will do my best to assist in whatever manner I can, but I suggest we act as one body and speak nothing of any decisions until we, as leaders, determine the proper time."
Ronnde spoke, "Barrie, what you have just said gives me confidence in bringing you into leadership. Ayla spoke to me just before leaving for her Clan of the Cave Bear and she suggested the Karren move from here in the spring and go with her to a place called 'Lion Camp.' Another group, called the 'Markaii outcasts,' will be traveling with her.
"Ayla says Lion Camp is in need of people and she told me the Markaii outcasts will follow our lead during the trek if the Karren do elect to travel to Lion Camp. The Markaii outcasts will be among us and will be under whatever rules Ayla and the Karren establish for the trek. Do you have any thoughts in this matter?"
"Yes Ronnde, my first thought is a question. Do you feel the Karren people as a whole will agree to go when spring arrives? They will be leaving the grave sites and lands of their ancestors and that will be hard. Second, do we know the people of Lion Camp would be willing to accept the Karren and the Markaii outcasts or just one of the two groups? My third thought is for the wellbeing of the elderly.
"I know of two in the Karren who would not be able to walk an eight-month journey and one of them will go to the Spirit World with or without being a part of a journey. She cannot be carried for months on end and when she passes into the Spirit World, the Karren would need to celebrate her life as they travel. We should be safe by traveling in numbers, so I am not terribly concerned about predators or attack by nomad groups. These are my first thoughts."
Jana and Ronnde were impressed. In their private talks, not one of the concerns Barrie mentioned had come up. Ronnde turned to Azalakesh, "Aza, what concerns do you have if the Karren travel to Lion Camp? I share Medicine Woman Barrie's concern for the elderly and the weak."
"Ronnde, I would note that with over fifty people traveling together from the Karren to the Zelandonii, the burden of carrying the elderly on pole drags or pole carriers would be greatly lessened, and I can plan a route to Lion Camp that will avoid really high elevations. It will only lengthen our trek two weeks to do so.
"Our people will need to make extra walking leathers for the long trek, and it will be imperative that our hunters be active every day." Both Azalakesh and Barrie were deemed right in what they said, and based on what Aza just said, it appeared he was planning to travel with them as their guide.
"These are valid thoughts and concerns." Jana said. "Do we have reasons to stay which we are not considering?" No one could come up with a reason to stay other than Barrie's brief comment about leaving the grave sites of ancestors. "With no insurmountable reason to stay and no Medicine Woman available after Barrie leaves us in the spring, I suggest we should call our people together and tell them our thoughts and what would be needed when spring arrives."
"Yes, but we need to provide a deadline for being packed and ready to go," Traygar added.
"I agree with what Hunt Leader Traygar has said. We will also need to tell them what will be expected of them during the trek because something like this is not easy. They must understand their lives depend on each other and they must provide full cooperation with whatever a leader says, not just me; I am talking of Barrie, Ronnde, Jana and Hunt Leader Traygar as well. We five comprise the Karren leadership, but Ayla's judgement on all contested matters must be accepted as final." Azalakesh was firm in his statement.
Being direct, Barrie offered more. "I think the people, even the Markaii outcasts who will travel with Ayla, need to know who to take counsel with. I suggest medicinal things would be my area of concern, the trek in total would be on Azalakesh, urging the people along and keeping spirits up would be Ronnde's job with the Karren and one of the Markaii outcasts, probably Kalkee, would do the same among his people.
"I am told the Markaii outcasts have no Spirit Leader so matters of the heart, mind and spirit would be Jana's concern for the Karren and for the Markaii outcasts. "Hunt Leader Traygar told me he doesn't mind if Ganry, the Markaii outcasts Hunt Leader, leads the hunts as Ganry and his hunters are more experienced with spearthrowers. It will be a better trip if the people know who to go to with a problem, idea, or concern." Barrie's statements were well taken.
Ronnde added one other thing; "Ayla will be busy the entire trek so we must try to limit who and what problems we may send her way." The four other leaders nodded in agreement. "Assuming our Karren Tribe decides to travel to Lion Camp with Ayla and the Markaii outcasts, we must determine who will be our cooks, our cleaners, our scouts, our rear guards, our butchers, counselors, and first level mediators during the trek."
Barrie now spoke, "Every able-bodied person must have a job to do during the trek and we will need to have three or four 'rovers' who can fill in if someone falls ill or is injured." The rovers should be men and women who have a wider range of skills than his or her peers.
"Do we allow intermingling of the Karren and the Markaii outcasts? Are the men to be separated from the women? What is the punishment if rules are violated? These things and more must be discussed." Barrie was right in saying this, there was much planning to be done before presenting their ideas to the people and Barrie continued to speak.
"I would suggest we no longer use the term 'outcasts' when speaking of the Markaii group. It puts them at a disadvantage because the word 'outcasts' has a negative meaning." This was one of several things Barrie had made Ayla aware of.
"We know they are voluntary outcasts because they were unwilling to war against some peaceful tribe. Can't we just call them something like 'The Markaii Searchers' or just 'The Searchers.' Perhaps they could just drop the word 'outcasts' and call themselves 'The Markaii.' Whether they join Lion Camp or go on to the Zelandonii, they will lose the tribal name of 'Markaii' anyway."
Discussion of Barrie's suggestion followed and the new identification, if any, would be whatever the Markaii outcasts determined. At this moment, any change in name was put on hold simply because the Markaii Outcasts had no knowledge of a potential name change and had the right to accept or to object any change. They also had the right to select a name of their own choosing.
Once Ayla and Bandoman had returned to The Clan of the Cave Bear, the leaders of the Markaii outcasts were contacted by Goov, the Clan's Mog-ur. Bandoman was pleased to act as interpreter. "I am told your Markaii tribe outcasts will be traveling with Mog-ur Ayla in the spring and I am pleased to see your hunters are now using the new spearthrower weapon.
"Know that your people may remain at The Clan of the Cave Bear over the coming winter as was done last winter. Your new weapons will make the Markaii tribe independent again and we anticipate no further sheltering will be needed."
Kalkee responded, "Mog-ur Goov, what you say is proper and correct, and my people understand that if you and your people had not given us food and shelter over the winter, our entire group would be walking the Spirit World at this moment. We Others were ignorant of Clan ways and even more ignorant in thinking your kind were not human. Without closer contact between us we had no way of knowing. Please understand that we respect your people and have learned much from you. We live in gratitude for what you have done."
Goov understood gratitude and was pleased this Others leader had expressed it. Kalkee himself was very pleased Mog-ur Goov wanted to speak with him and felt honored that Goov had sought him out.
Ayla wanted to speak with Kalkee about various things. Two full days passed before she had the opportunity. "Kalkee, may we talk for a moment or two? I have several things that need your attention."
"My time is yours Mog-ur, what are the things we need to discuss?"
"To start with, let's talk about your name."
"What's wrong with my name? I like my name!"
"Nothing is wrong with your personal name Kalkee, it is the name your people call themselves that is of concern. Barrie wishes me to speak of her concern in calling you 'The Markaii outcasts.' She suggests using the term 'outcasts' in your group's name creates unwarranted negative feelings towards your people."
"I had not thought of that and I can see wisdom in Jana's concern, but what would we call ourselves instead of Markaii outcasts?"
"We spoke of that briefly and your group's name came up. She suggests calling your people 'The Markaii Searchers,' or 'The Searchers,' or just call you 'The Markaii.' Understand, this is based on a concern that your people are not handicapped because of the word 'outcasts' in your group's name."
"I think such is a valid thought and when we meet, I will be pleased to say a 'thank you,' for thinking of us in this manner. Understand, we cannot and will not call ourselves 'The Markaii.' That name is taken already and is one we no longer wish to be associated with. I like the suggested name, 'Searchers' and will speak to my people in this matter tomorrow."
"There is no rush in this Kalkee, spring is a good four months away and I suggest you give yourself time for more thought in the matter. Doing so will allow you a much better presentation to your people and will also allow time for discussion."
"Your thoughts in this are well taken Ayla and I appreciate your taking the time to speak with me. You said we have 'several things' to speak about, what do you wish to speak of next?"
"Kalkee, concern for the elderly is one thing and how we will manage the needs of the entire group of travelers is another. Barrie spoke with me in private before I left to return to my Clan. She is now a Karren leader and she told me the outcome of her first leaders' meeting.
"She suggested the people, even the Markaii, have a need to know who to take counsel with and she suggested medicinal things would be her area of concern and also suggested the trek in total would be on Azalakesh. He is an expert traveler and guide and also a leader within the Karren.
"Another thing brought up was who would urge the people along and be keeping spirits up. This would be Ronnde's responsibility within the Karren. You will need to determine who among your group would be best at keeping up the spirits of the Markaii Searchers or whatever you decide to re-name yourselves.
"Matters of the heart, mind and spirit would be Jana's concern and hers, a shoulder to cry on. I understand you have no Spirit Leader within your group so if you have no objection, Jana will serve for both groups.
Naturally both the Karren and the Markaii hunters will be active as we travel. Your hunters have spearthrowers and have used them for two seasons, so I ask you to have Hunt Leader Ganry serve as Hunt Leader for both groups. Traygar, the Karren Hunt Leader, has no problem in doing this.
"Jaradal is with the Karren this winter and is teaching the Karren hunters in using a spearthrower just as he and Bandoman taught your hunters. Even so, the Karren hunters will be far less experienced than your Markaii hunters."
"Mog-ur Ayla, unless Traygar objects, I will have my one of my hunters pair up with each of the Karren hunters. This will help the Karren become better with the spearthrower and will also help our two peoples to get to know each other."
"Kalkee, your idea has merit, and I will make Leader Ronnde aware of it when we arrive in the spring." A discussion of what to pack and what not to pack wasn't needed for Kalkee's group as they had few possessions and were accustomed to traveling.
It was three months later when Kalkee spoke with Ayla about a name change for his group. "Ayla, my group and I have spoken in earnest as to a different name for our group. Many suggested names were discussed, and in the end, we decided to be known as 'The Searchers.' Everyone agreed a name change was a good idea and after many suggested names were voted on, the group wound up with the name Jana had first suggested.
"We again looked at how we should blend with the Karren and again we voted and determined we will follow whatever rules and laws you and the Karren leaders set up. We Searchers are leaving the wilderness; the Karren are leaving their home. Whatever works for them will work for us as well."
"I can tell the Searchers have put thought into the matters at hand and I respect the decisions you have made." Ayla was pleased the Markaii had chosen 'Searchers' as a new name for their group.
"Thank you, Ayla. All we need to know is when we will be leaving your Clan. A two, or three-day notice will be sufficient."
"Kalkee, I will tell you five days before leaving but know that we cannot allow the weather to be a factor in our timing. During the trek there will be rainy days, hot days, cold days, windy days and days seemingly with no end. There will also be short days, some violent storm days, and some swollen rivers to cross. We will deal with whatever happens as it comes upon us and we should all pray to The Great Earth Mother that our trek be blessed."
Ayla's statement made sense to Kalkee. "I will repeat to my fellow Searchers what we have discussed, and I am certain they will be pleased."
"Mother, are you free to talk with me? I have news you will want to know, but I did not wish to speak of it until you had a chance to get settled after getting back from the Karren."
"Thank you for that Durc, I have been busy since I got back, and I am now rested. What news can you share?"
"Brac gave Marka a choice to go or stay."
"Such is not the Clan way and Brac is full Clan. This does not sound like something he would do."
"Mother, you need to know love and desire are present in both Marka's statement and Brac's decision. Neither one of them had knowledge of the secret caring each had for the other."
"Are you saying the two cared for each other and had urges and desires, but such feelings were never expressed between the two?"
"That is correct mother, Brac never spoke to Marka because they were never alone together as adults.
"To speak to her of his caring in the presence of others would embarrass her and he simply didn't want to cause her any kind of embarrassment. For her part, Marka could not speak of her feelings for Brac simply because she had never been given permission to speak freely."
"Durc, I will speak with Brac early tomorrow and let him know I appreciate his consideration of my request regarding Marka. I will also keep the confidences you have conveyed. Know that just this morning Barrie and I consulted and dealt with the problem of a Medicine Woman for Lion Camp; she will serve as Medicine Woman for Lion Camp until a new Medicine Woman is found to replace her.
"This was an idea Barrie herself came up with and it would just mean Ava would need to travel to Lion Camp to be reunited with Barrie, instead of Barrie needing to reach the Ninth Cave. Durcan and Blackie would certainly go with Ava, and a hunter or two would accompany them for safety on any treks."
The Great Earth Mother had decided to lay a mild winter on the land. A warm spring followed, and it was time for Ayla, Bandoman, and Sky to leave the Clan of the Cave Bear and head to the Karren Tribe. The Markaii would be traveling with Ayla and Durc and those in his Clan were aware of the leaving. Wishes for 'safe-travels' were in abundance.
Bandoman said farewells to his Clan counterparts, expressing gratitude to them for assisting him in Clan sign language. At the same time, the Clan hunters expressed their own gratitude for the new spearthrower weapon and all the training that had been given. Sky determined he should stick close to his pack leader; wolves don't really say farewells.
Brac wanted to fully state his gratitude and pleasure for all Ayla and her people had done for his Clan. "Mog-ur Ayla, you have given us instant fire, new medicinals, food with spices, the new spearthrower weapon and the training of our hunters in using the weapon. You have also fostered a much better understanding of, and even friendship with the Others.
"The one gift you have given us that stands above the rest is the gift of your first-born son. Durc has been my best friend since childhood and your numbers cannot express how often he has guided and helped me and for this I am forever grateful."
"Brac, know that we others are grateful for the kindness our Clan has shown us. Having our Clan hunters help Bandoman, Jaradal, and myself in getting the needed kills for my barter with Kregg was a kindness I will always remember. Our people have been thoughtful and helpful in so many ways including helping Bandoman and Jaradal in learning signing beyond that which I taught them.
"This is something they will use for the rest of their lives and will set them above their fellow hunters. Know that I am personally grateful for having the Death Curse removed and could never ask or dream of a better gift than what you have personally commanded."
"Mog-ur, you said, 'OUR Clan,' I am pleased with the term. This is OUR Clan, and you are a part of it in truth and in legend. Know you will always be welcome in our midst. Now go to your son, I leave you to him." Brac felt good in the parting as all that needed to be said was accomplished.
The hardest parting for Ayla was leaving Durc, A-laa, Reebrun, and Ura. The two grandchildren were a part of her. Like Durc, the children were living proof of her presence in the world, they were her legacy. Walking the short distance to Durc's hearth, Ayla was forced to hold back tears at the thought of leaving.
"Grammy! Grammy!" Durc and Ura had seen Ayla coming and had released the children to walk to Ayla; the two children ran to Grammy.
"Children, be careful, you are going to make Grammy trip and fall!" Ura was always watchful of her children and their manner reflected good upbringing. "Ayla, I too want to run to you shouting 'Grammy.' You have gone from being a stranger to being a friend. No... Something more than that, you have become a part of my heart and I am missing you already."
Gently placing her hands on Ura's shoulder Ayla replied, "I am just as you Ura. You have given me great joy in Reebrun and A-laa.
"Knowing my son has mated with a good and kind woman gives comfort to my heart and mind. Ura, I have the joy of family in your presence and my heart is fuller and stronger because of it."
"Will you play with us before you go Grammy?" Young A-laa hoped for a 'yes.'
"Yes, I would like that! Can you get your father and mother to play with us?" Durc was present and waiting for his turn to say what was in his heart.
"Our whole family can play a game. What game would you like to play children?"
"I wanna play the word game!" young Reebrun shouted.
"That we will do!" exclaimed Durc. The word game was one Ura had created to help build Durc's speaking skills and vocabulary. Guessing the meaning of a new word was the object of the game and many of the guesses caused laughter.
Similar to Ava and Barrie, the children were required to speak Zelandonii when in private and sign when in public. This allowed the two children to learn both languages and they enjoyed being able to speak one language and sign the other.
Ura felt it was time to let Grammy go. "Children, that's enough of the word game. Grammy still needs to say farewell to your father. Give Grammy a hug and a kiss then I will take you to the pond and we can try to catch us a fish." Ayla was in tears at the parting and she saw Reebrun and A-laa arguing as they walked away. They were arguing in sign about who loved Grammy more.
"Mother, the love I feel for you can never be fully expressed. You speak of your Great Earth Mother as being Ursus but with a different name; I can accept that. Know I will pray to Ursus for your wellbeing."
"Durc, it was Ursus that brought us together and it is Ursus that will comfort us as we part. You have grown well over the summers and have become a true leader. This pleases me… I will return and I will be pleased to see them as older youth."
"They will be here mother." 'I love you,' were again the last words the two shared. The parting was bittersweet.
