CHAPTER 21: Joys and Sorrows

The air was cool and patches of snow were still on the ground; the warmth of the sun was providing an early spring. "Let's go," was the simple phrase Ayla used to start the trek to the Karren Tribe. "We will travel two abreast as I said before. Talk all you like among yourselves but quiet quickly when any of the leaders call out.

"Help your partner if needed and call out if you see a danger. Remember, keep pace with the group and understand no singing is allowed." The last set of two abreast travelers were soon walking. Bird song mixed with the people's chatter were the only sounds in the air. Both sounds would soon go silent.

"Oh, the bears and the wolves better beware, better beware, better beware. Oh, the bears and the wolves better beware 'cause there's a valley we're gonna cross."

"We'll down all the wolves and then the bears, and then the bears, and then the bears. We'll down all the wolves and then the bears, but we've got a-ways to go."

"Oh, the squirrels and the wolves better beware, better beware, better beware. Oh, the squirrels and the wolves better beware 'cause there's a wood that we're getting near..."

Kalkee purposely started singing to create a jovial beginning to what would be a long day. It was a song everyone knew, and he started the song almost immediately after Ayla made the statement, 'no singing is allowed.' The entire group began to laugh and participate in the singing. Each stanza was started by a different person as was usual for the song.

What was truly enjoyable was that each stanza was made up as the people walked along. The only requirement was 'wolves' had to be in each stanza. How long the song would continue depended on the creativity of the people.

During the trek to the Karren, the singing generally started after morning travel cakes were eaten but not until everyone was on the way again. Wolves were everywhere and their sizeable number was why each stanza always included wolves. The six-day trek went well and went quickly.

As the Karren Tribe came into view, people began to walk out to greet Ayla's group. The multiple initial greetings would take time, and this allowed Ayla and Barrie to greet each other and have some private time together. "Barrie, I am very pleased with the Searchers. They have kept up well and share their joy of life in the things they do and say."

"Ayla, do you think the Searchers will want to join Lion Camp as we Karren do?"

"Barrie, what I have been hearing among the Searchers is only the desire to become Zelandonii. Kalkee's statements carry weight within the Searchers and is a strong reason why they want to become members of the Zelandonii tribe. What has happened within the Karren over the winter?"

"We had only one major event; the eldest of the Karren passed into the Spirit World. She was the one I had spoken of who would be passing either before or soon after beginning the trek to Lion Camp. It was sad to see her pass and every member of the Karren mourns her death. She knew more of the history of the Karren than anyone else and a large part of that history is now gone. Have you had any events come about within your Clan over the winter or during your trek to the Karren?"

"As expected, we had no deaths due to starvation, but we did lose a baby for no apparent reason. The child was three weeks old when her spirit left in the night. I checked her just the day before and she seemed perfectly healthy. It was a sudden death with no apparent cause. I have only seen a similar death on one other occasion many years ago and the circumstances were the same in each case. The parents are in pain and Mog-ur Goov and I came to them daily to offer comfort and solace. Three months have passed, and they are doing better now."

"Ayla, such a death was spoken of in the training Hallie gave me, but I never thought I would hear of it happening near to where I am."

"One can never tell when a thing like this will happen. We must trust that The Great Earth Mother has a purpose... Now, your messenger told me all but one of the Karren will be traveling to Lion Camp and of the readiness of the Karren to begin the trek to Lion Camp."

"Ayla, what you say is correct, all but one will travel in the morning. Mook is the only person who refuses to leave this place. Jana told me he is my brother and... well, you remember his being a loner and all. I was told he wants to stay where he is and feels hunting game will be easy."

"Yes, I can see game growing in abundance since he will now be the only hunter seeking kills. He is right in saying there should be little trouble in getting kills when needed."

"Ayla, it was Ronnde who spoke with him; Mook has yet to see me."

"Does this cause you pain?"

"Yes, I feel some pain at seeing the loss of anyone's joy in life and in family. I have reconciled myself to it and my pain will pass. I cannot force him to change and to attempt to do so would be an intrusion."

"Barrie, you show wisdom beyond your summers and I am glad of it."

The aroma of baked travel cakes floated in the morning air and cooking fires had been started, used, and extinguished. All but Mook were set and ready to go. Four different people tried to get him to begin the trek with them but Mook simply had no desire to leave the Karren caves. "This is where I was born, and this is where I will die." At this point it wasn't Mook who was sad, it was his fellow Karren.

"We will travel two abreast as I told the Searchers previously. Talk all you like among yourselves but quiet quickly when any of the leaders call out. Help your partner if needed and call out if you see a danger. Keep pace with the group and remember that no singing is allowed."

Ayla once again used the simple phrase, 'Let's go,' to start the trek.

The Searchers quickly remembered Ayla saying the same words just before leaving the Clan of the Cave Bear. They broke out in singing almost as if prearranged, it was the same song Kalkee had started singing seven days ago. The Karren quickly surmised what was going on and joined right in. The song raised spirits again and now also served as a unifying force among both groups.

"Aza, step forward and lead as you wish. I only ask that you call for two hunters, one to protect your left and one to protect your right, and you should maintain that protection during the trek. I don't want to risk losing you."

Azalakesh now had to raise his voice so Ayla could hear him over the singing. "Ayla, I don't want to risk losing me either, and for that reason I will call three hunters, one on my left, one on my right, and one in back of me." Aza smiled as he said this.

"Aza, perhaps you should call four hunters and have one well in front of you, so you are protected in all directions. Doing such would give you full protection."

"That would be good Ayla, then I can just follow the hunter in front of me and hope he leads us to where we want to go." Aza gave a broad smile as he watched Ayla think about his reply. It was one of those rare 'unthinking' moments for Ayla and both shared laughter as the realization of what she suggested came upon her.

"Now Ayla, please add your voice in song as I would like to hear you sing." Ayla complied and Aza quickly determined he would not likely request Ayla to sing again. 'Her singing voice isn't bad,' thought Aza, 'it's worse than bad.' Ayla did not have the gift of song and but was good at sewing, hunting, cooking, and medicinals; the gifts are chosen and given by the Earth Mother.

Ronnde, the Karren leader, had a request of Ayla two months into the planned trip to Lion Camp. Kalkee was with Ayla when Ronnde approached.

"Ayla, I have a request from my people."

"What is your request?"

"The Karren feel at ease with the Searchers and wish to mingle among them during the trek. We seek your thoughts in this, and your thoughts as well Kalkee."

Ayla spoke first, "I have no problem with the requested change providing no disturbance within the two tribes comes about. What are your thoughts Kalkee?"

"I don't anticipate any problems in doing what Ronnde requests. Many of the Searchers have suggested the same thing to me. I would suggest we try it and deal with any problems as they come about. If things become too cumbersome, we can always go back to separation or a modified version of it as we see fit."

"If that is agreeable to you Ronnde, I will allow it but suggest each of you watch for any problems among the unified group. Not everyone may get along with everyone else and there could be some jealousy that arises as well."

"I understand and agree with what you say Zelandoni. I will tell the Karren of the change and advise them of further changes being possible as things progress."

"And I will do the same with the Searchers and hope for a good outcome." Ronnde was pleased that Ayla and Kalkee had no objections.

"Very well. Speak to your peoples about the matter before we end our rest break, and we will hope for the best."

Ayla knew human nature and felt there would be some issues that would likely revolve around jealousy and unmated women. The Karren had three unmated women and the Searchers had three unmated men. 'At least the numbers work out,' Ayla thought to herself. The rest of the trek went well and if there were conflicts in the blend of Searchers and Karren, they caused no outward symptoms.

The following day Ayla sought out Azalakesh during a midday break. "Aza, we have been traveling for five months now and I remember stopping here overnight when Jondalar brought me to the Zelandonii. This same lake and this same spot were where the idea of creating a spearthrower came to mind. We have gotten here three weeks faster than when Jondalar and I did!"

"Ayla, don't get too excited over the travel time I have saved on our trek. We will be traveling slower from now on because of the mountain range you see on the other side of this lake. To avoid crossing the range entirely would add two months to our little walk and we would not reach Lion Camp until the middle of winter."

"But, what about the elevations Aza?"

"No one will be climbing to the topside of a snow-capped mountain or jumping over chasms, but the uphill walking will slow us greatly. We will still get to Lion Camp in mid-October and before the winter snows because of the time we have saved so far in reaching this spot."

"Aza, The Searchers have been telling me how pleased they are to have you guiding our peoples. One of the female Searchers was asking me if you were mated. I told her you weren't and she seemed pleased with my answer. In addition, I want you to know how pleased I am with your abilities in getting us here so quickly. Willomar himself couldn't have done better!"

"Ayla, you're not comparing me to Willomar are you? That man would still be on the plains and not reach Lion Camp until late spring! He is a pitiful guide and is worthless for anything other than gathering firewood."

"Oh no Aza, there is no comparison to you! Willomar can't even walk a straight line what with him drinking barma all the time."

"Exactly my point. The man is a worthless lout and couldn't guide himself out of a tree, and don't forget the time Willomar takes away from guiding so he can chase the wild women he is always after!"

"Yes, him chasing wild women at his age does take much of his time, but his drinking has lessened greatly now that Melodene manages his time."

"Ayla, I am glad we agree. By the way, would you please point out the woman you spoke of?"

No laughter occurred as it was replaced with broad smiles and knowing looks. Aza was enjoyable to be around and his skills as a guide were excellent. The months of travel passed.

Azalakesh made an announcement during a midday break. "We are seven days away from Lion Camp. When we reach the camp, there will be a meeting among the leaders of the Karren, the Searchers, and the Lion Camp leaders. Only then will we greet those in Lion Camp and get to know them." The walking pace seemed to quicken each day from that point; the days passed.

"I see people, I see people coming!" shouted a young man standing at the southern edge of Lion Camp. At hearing the shout, someone who heard the shout soon added, "I also see people walking our way." Someone else yelled, "Voices, I hear voices!"

The Karren and the Searchers could now discern distant voices calling out. Even though tired from the trek, the pace quickened markedly. The people bent over with bags of possessions now stood upright hoping to see a glimpse of the camp or a group of people.

What they were looking for was soon a reality. It wasn't what could be called a rush by people from Lion Camp or the people in Ayla's group but there was certainly an increased pace appearing like a slow jog.

Ayla called out to the leaders, "Ronnde! Kalkee! Jana! Barrie! Azalakesh!" No answer was received; each leader was already trying to slow the people down. There would be no slowing them down and there would be no advance meeting among the leaders.

Ayla began asking questions of a group from Lion Camp. "Who are your current leaders? Where are they?"

Ayla found the two leaders only twenty feet away as they were trying to slow down their own tribe just the same as the leaders in Ayla's group were doing. The rush slowed and after a short time, the people calmed down but still talked constantly to each other about their respective peoples and the trials of travel.

"I am Kevant and Kristem is my mate. I am first leader and Kristem is second leader of Lion Camp. She is prettier than me, but I am a better cook." Kevant wanted to glean a smile from the Zelandoni and had achieved his goal. In reality, Kevant cooked the various meats while Kristem cooked everything else. Doing such was a team effort for the two. In general, everything they did was a team effort; the match was good.

"I am Ayla, First Zelandoni of the Zelandonii Tribe. Jondalar, my mate, tells me I am better looking than him and that I am a far better cook as well. He is a truthful man and I have no reason to doubt him." Now Ayla was forcing Kevant to smile. The two shared a light embrace. Kevant was an intelligent man and faced challenges with strength and resolve. He was admired for that strength. Kristem has a sharp mind of her own and between the two, Lion Camp had excellent leadership.

"Ayla, you know Jondalar, Durcan, and Ava wintered with us and left for the Zelandonii last spring. We shared good times and he and Ava told me of you and Barrie, and of the likelihood of your bringing the Karren Tribe to Lion Camp as possible new members. Ava said there was even a possibility that a tribe called 'Markaii outcasts' may come as well. By the way, Ava said you were spoken of in many legends."

"Kevant, the 'Markaii outcasts' are now known as 'The Searchers' and they are not wanting to join with the Karren, they want to join with the Zelandonii. As for myself, I am just a woman wanting love, family, and community with others."

"That isn't what the storytellers say about you and doesn't match up with the legend stories I have been told."

"I have little knowledge of any 'legends' and if you believe what Ralev or any of the other storytellers may have said, then I have a river I would like to barter away."

This statement forced a good laugh from the man and his mate. Kristem wanted some undivided time with the legend and decided it was time to speak. "Kevant, I want you to quell this gathering and bring order to this mass of people as I wish to have private time with Ayla, and you need practice in leading anyway." Kristem's statement was a tease and rendered a smile from both Ayla and Kevant.

"Ayla, I feel we have much to talk about, would you mind taking a walk with me?" Accepting Kristem's request, the two women walked away from the crowd. "First, how much truth really is in the stories Ralev tells?"

"Kristem, the level of truth depends on which story Ralev is telling. Generally, if you ignore the wild things like being 'a spirit ghost with a spirit mate and a spirit wolf' there is likely to be truth in happenings and results within the story."

"What about being called The Great Earth Mother's warrior and agent?"

"I've been called a lot of things but never that as far as I know!" Ayla snickered as she replied, and this caused Kristem to chuckle.

"So, you don't have a spirit wolf like Ralev said?" Kristem was somehow feeling a strange loss.

"Yes, I do have a wolf companion and yes, he does my bidding, and yes, he does have a spirit, but his spirit is in his living just like you and me. Did Durcan not bring his wolf, 'Blackie,' into camp so the people could meet her?"

"I like the way Ralev tells the story better, and yes, Durcan did bring his wolf into camp. It was amazing that he seemingly had full control of the animal, but a natural fear of wolves prevented wide acceptance among our people.

"Durcan cooked various meals for us while he, Ava and Jondalar were here, and he said you taught him how to use spices. Would you consider teaching me about spices and how to identify them and make them ready for use?"

"Yes, I can teach you, but you will need to tell me what Durcan has told you about spices, so I don't teach what you already know." The melding of the three tribes took a natural course and all went well in spite of the concerns Ayla had held.

Sky was introduced to the members of Lion Camp if for no other reason than to lessen the likelihood hunters would take him to be a lone wolf and thus a predator to be killed.

While Ayla was speaking with Kristem, Barrie was seeking to find where the sick and injured were. A woman of roughly thirty summers led her to the prior Medicine Woman's cave. "This is where the sick and injured are resting and where our people used to go for medicinal help. Three here are sick and two others are injured. These people will either die or get well as we have no Medicine Woman and is why Lion Camp has had so many deaths and so many people leaving."

"You do have a Medicine Woman because I am here, and I am a Medicine Woman."

"You can't be a Medicine Woman; your body has filled out some, but you are not yet a fully-grown woman. Child, the wellbeing and care of these people is serious to us and cannot be left to a childhood fantasy."

"Do you know of First Zelandoni, Ayla? She is here and would be speaking with your leaders right now. Go to her and ask of me, then return as I may need your help with the injured."

"You can't..."

"Please do as I say, and go quickly." Barrie had taken control of the situation and her 'request' was more of a command than a request.

The woman was shocked at Barrie's command and left quickly as she was told. "This little playtime medicine girl will be in trouble when this aurochs crap proves to be false and she is going to regret forcing me to do this." The woman was speaking to the wind.

"A lifetime is not too long to live as friends." Ayla turned at hearing the statement and found Deegie was standing just steps behind her with her arms spread wide.

"Ayla!"..."Deegie!" Ayla rushed to embrace her first female friend in the Mother's world. Ayla and she were attracted to each other the moment they had met so many summers ago when Jondalar had initially brought Ayla to Lion Camp. Deegie was the first Others female Ayla had ever met. The two shared confidences as if they were little girls and had promised to be friends forever. Occasional visits occurred over the years and this was a long-awaited reunion.

Deegie's statement, 'a lifetime is not too long to live as friends,' was a repeat of Ayla's last statement when she and Jondalar had initially left Lion Camp many summers ago. It was said in private and ended in an embrace. The phrase had become the first and last thing they would say each time they visited one another.

Ayla was wanting to find her best friend from her past time with Lion Camp and Kristem had made sure Deegie was at hand. Jondalar had spoken to Kristem about Deegie when he, Durcan, and Ava had wintered at Lion Camp. The two friends talked the rest of the day and into the night.

Thanks to Jondalar and Durcan working with the camp's hunters over the prior winter, Lion Camp no longer had a problem with hunting game. As such, meat for roughly ninety people was put on spits and the roasting fires were lit. It would be a late-night feast, but it was still a feast and not a soul failed to be there other than the ill and seriously injured Barrie was tending to.

Barrie even made it for a short while and standing beside her was the same woman Ayla had assured of Barrie's standing as a Medicine Woman. Ayla would not speak to the crowd to introduce Barrie as being a Medicine Woman. Just speaking to the woman Barrie had sent to her would be enough. The woman and the five people Barrie had helped would spread the word. Barrie was not one to seek attention and Ayla would not force it upon her.

"LION!... LION!" A man shouted. This quickly caused people to huddle together where they sat or stood. No one could run since the location of the lion approaching the camp had not been part of the shouted alarm.

If someone ran the wrong way, they could be running directly towards the lion and no one had a weapon because weapons aren't needed at a feast.

Four camp guards would usually be standing post but were at the feast with everyone else. "A lion is on the path to the stream and he's coming closer!" someone shouted. The hunters now made a mad dash for their weapons.

At the sight of the lion, Ayla ran directly to the injured predator. She instantly recognized the animal as being Baby, her friend and companion for three summers before she had found Jondalar. The emaciated animal had a broken left front leg and the bone below the break was sticking out the length of a finger. With no way to hunt food, the animal was starved. Ayla's tears flowed without ceasing, she was hugging her Baby, her dying child.

Baby was taking comfort in Ayla's voice, her scent, and her touch. Moments before Baby took his last breath, Ayla's spirit blended with his. Baby knew this spirit; he loved the spirit comforting him and the spirit loved him… He had found his mother and now he could rest. He died while being comforted by the only mother he remembered; Ayla was in tears. A service of cremation took place the following evening.

Deegie, Barrie, leaders Kristem and Kevant, Ronnde, and Kalkee were there. Jaradal and Bandoman were also present as were nearly all the Searchers and all the Karren. The people lined the outer edge of the glade Ayla had chosen for the cremation. They were not there to mourn Baby's passing; they were there to support Ayla. Many of those living at lion camp were present as well.

"Baby is the lion Ayla rode through our fields many summers ago. I was there as were some of you. I honor Baby's spirit just as I honor Ayla at this time."

Deegie had spoken loudly to the silent people. She then lit the funeral pyre Bandoman and Jaradal had created. Deegie was there to offer solace as Ayla's friend. Lions are King of the wild and the lion spirit that honored Ayla was now being honored within Lion Camp. The significance of this would grow into legend as years passed.

Once fire fully engulfed Baby, Barrie suggested the people should now leave.

Acting on Barrie's urging, everyone left except Ayla, Deegie, Spirit Leader Jana and Barrie herself. Jana and Barrie had no direct connection to the lion as Ayla did, but shed tears for the loss of a magnificent life given by The Great Earth Mother. Deegie had thought to cut a lock of hair from Baby's mane and would give it to Ayla when the time was right and the two were alone.

It was at Ayla's request that Bandoman and Jaradal were with her the entire time, Jondalar did not leave Ayla's side.

Ava was well received within the Zelandonii and was pleased to be at the Ninth Cave. "Durcan, I know roughly when mother, and the The Searhers should be leaving Lion Camp and I know they would be surprised if we were there to greet them and my sister a week or two before they leave Lion camp in spring. What do you think?"

"Ava, I have been thinking much the same thing. We can reach Hilltop Holding in two days and then reach Lion Camp before mother and Barrie leave it in the spring. Then we could trek back to Ninth Cave with them. Even if they leave Lion Camp early, we would meet them on the trail. This means we would be traveling in the late winter, but I don't mind if you don't. With luck it may be a mild winter with little snow, and I know the way to Lion Camp.

"I will ask Artibon and Rushemar if they would be willing to travel with us to Lion Camp. If so, we would then have adequate protection as we travel but they may not be willing to go because of the cold.

"Then again, they may want to travel just to see Lion Camp and meet its people. Neither of them has ever been to Lion Camp."

"At least it would be an easier trip than when they rode to warn of the snake pits in the Southeast. Since they are your friends, you need to be the one to go out and find both men and ask for their help."

"Ya, but you are prettier than me Ava, and men respond to good looking women."

"We will both go, but I will only go on one condition."

"And what would be your one condition Ava?"

"That you assist me in killing all the Yabuts that have apparently escaped my wrath."

"I will help you, but I am told Yabuts are like spirits and you never know when one will appear."

"You found one when you said I am prettier than you and did you kill it? No, you didn't. You let it escape to breed more Yabuts. Durcan, I fear you are becoming unreliable."

"I couldn't bring myself to kill the little guy. I am told he has a mate and many children and that he is the only one providing for his family. Besides, Yabuts are cute little creatures and deserve to live just because The Great Earth Mother created them."

"Durcan, deer are cute little creatures, rabbits and squirrels are also cute little creatures, yet you don't mind killing them, so why the hesitation to kill Yabuts?"

"Ava, they don't taste as good as other creatures which is why I kill the deer, rabbits, and squirrels. I have tried Yabut meat roasted, boiled and raw, and even with spices Yabut meat just doesn't taste good."

"Durcan, if Yabuts taste so bad, I can see why they come out of your mouth so often" To avoid this, just don't put them in your mouth to start with. Now, are you or are you not going to help me rid the land of Yabuts?"

"I will do the best I can in getting rid of them, but I can't give you any guarantees we will get them all."

"I suppose your offer to try is all I can mindfully ask."

Not hesitating, Durcan started to whistle like he would when he calls Blackie, "Here little Yabut, come on boy, come to daddy..."

"Durcan, you are sick ya-know."

"Perhaps, but I must have forgotten to tell you I killed all the 'Ya-knows' with my own big stick just yesterday. Ava, I should have told you sooner, but it was such a bloody mess, and the screams of pain were awful to hear or even speak of."

"You really are VERY sick ya-know." Ava had purposely repeated an altered version of her prior statement and added emphasis in her verbal comment.

"Ava, I told you I killed all the 'Ya-knows' yesterday!" Durcan had said this as if he were sad, and his body language reflected the same feigned disappointment.

"Yabut you missed a few Durcan. Now let's go find Artibon and Rushemar." Ava had to have the last word in the matter and saying, 'Yabut,' was a pleasurable way to rub it in.

Finding Rushemar and Artibon was a simple task. Artibon had decided to winter with Rushemar at Third Cave-Two Rivers instead of staying at Twenty-Ninth Cave-South Face where his family lived. He had interacted with many women in the near areas and was unable to find someone he really wanted to mate with. This was disappointing and was the very reason he was at Third Cave and looking for local unmated women.

"Artibon! It's good to see you. How is your sister?"

"Durcan, it's good to see you too. Folrian is well also and still looking for a mate. You have my permission to mate with her if you wish." Artibon could see Durcan had Ava by his side so now was a good opportunity to tease his friend. "I am sorry Artibon, Ava wouldn't like sharing me with Folrian."

"Durcan, you always told me you could handle two women at once with no problem... and Blackie doesn't count even though your wolf is a female… And don't say you never said such."

"I was like that in my youth Artibon. Now I am old and prefer slow walks in the woods, and calming lakeside sunsets. Having a few relaxing teas, nice weather and nature to look at with Ava is what I now prefer."

"...And I prefer rolling in river mud and spreading gossip," Artibon replied. Hearing this drew a snicker from Ava.

"Okay Artibon, you win. The reason Ava and I are here is to kindly ask if you and Rushemar would consider traveling to Lion Camp with us. Leaving on horseback in mid-November, we can be at Lion Camp and surprise mother and Ava's sister. We should get there one to three weeks before she and the Markaii self-outcasts would leave in the spring. We can stay at Lion Camp and help with any needed hunting, then come back with mother's group."

"Durcan, I can't speak for Rushemar, but I would be willing to ride with you to Lion camp. Winter is cold here and it will be cold at Lion Camp as well so it doesn't matter much where I am when I'm cold."

Walking back from the waste pit, Rushemar was nearby and able to hear what Artibon had said. "Why can't you speak for me Artibon? I thought we were mated!"

"Rushemar, what are you doing now, spying on me? I thought you were with your newest girlfriend. Did she tell you to go home and grow up?"

"That sums it up Artibon. She told me the word among Zelandonii women is that you and I are going from woman to woman and that both of us are hard to please. The truth is I am easy to please, but I want a spark of intrigue before asking someone to mate with me."

"Rushemar, how long have you been listening? Did you hear all of what Durcan has said?"

"Artibon, I wasn't listening, my mind was merely comprehending voices in the wind, and yes, I heard all of what Durcan has said and I too would like to visit Lion Camp. Getting to know the unmated women there should be pleasurable. Hopefully one of them will spark intrigue within me while we are there!"

"This is fantastic! You two are great to have as friends, but how long have you been mated and why wasn't I invited to the mating?" Durcan gave his own tease.

Artibon looked directly at Rushemar and answered for the two, "Sweetheart, do you want to tell him or should I?" The four shared a good bit of laughter and agreed to start out in mid-November. This gave them two weeks to prepare for the trek.

"Rushemar, the horses will need extra blankets and leggings to keep them warm."

"Yes, Artibon, I agree, and I suggest they will need eye covers so they can be tied up for warmth somewhat near our campfires."

"Durcan, what about your father, is he coming?" Artibon was curious. He was also curious about Ava's sister but didn't want to say anything about it.

"No, he is at Fourteenth Cave-Little Valley and teaching knapping to young men from both Eleventh Cave-River Place and the Fourteenth. He doesn't yet know Ava and I have decided to go to Lion Camp."

"Won't he be upset when he finds out?"

"He will be fine with it. He knows me to be a good hunter and woodsman and that I would have a couple of hunters with me so we could travel safely. I will speak with Leader Joharran, and he can pass the information along whenever father returns to the Ninth."

The journey to Lion Camp had started without fanfare and the only addition to the group of four was Blackie. Ava now had a fourth hunter for protection and that hunter had black fur and obeyed his master.

The three winter months of riding passed quickly, and the travel had only one event. A hungry pack of hyenas was following them and a pack of wolves were aware of, and following the hyenas. Both packs of predators were looking to glean whatever they could from the overnight campsites the pack of humans would abandon each morning. Meaty bones, meat scraps on the ground, and bits of breadcakes were the usual items they would find. Competition among the predators always cleaned things up nicely.