CHAPTER 22: Missed Connections

It was a sunny morning and spring was quickly melting the snow. The Karren leaders and Lion Camp leaders had mutually agreed to merge the two tribes under the banner of Lion Camp. Barrie would act as Medicine Woman until Ayla found someone to take her place. Over the winter, Barrie had done well in healing the sick and injured at Lion Camp. The woman who had asked Ayla about Barrie being a Medicine Woman had become Barrie's first helper and her first trainee.

The Searchers had held back, "Mog-ur Ayla, we of the Searchers have agreed among us and have decided we still wish to travel with you and reach the Zelandonii. Only one of the Searchers will be staying in Lion Camp as she wishes to mate with a hunter within Lion Camp. She is with child and will remain with the hunter and become part of Lion Camp."

"I can understand her desire to stay and I wish the couple well."

"Thank you, Ayla. Are we still welcome to come with you to the Zelandonii?"

"Yes, of course you are. Your people have shown nothing but honor in the past two summers and you will be well accepted by the Zelandonii. Jondalar will have spoken of you when he reached our people last summer and I am sure you will receive a warm welcome. Remember, we leave Lion Camp in twenty days, and each of the Searchers must be ready to go and with a good supply of travel cakes."

"Zelandoni, we will be ready and will have an abundance of travel cakes. Our hunters will also have a new weapon we call a 'spearthrower' which our Hunt Leader, Ganry, brought into being." Kalkee was offering a tease as he usually did when not speaking of serious matters.

"I am already aware of the spearthrower thing Ganry created but I don't think it will make much difference in the number of kills.

"The moon he created is a much more useful as it provides at least some light at night." Kalkee could not hold back his snicker and Ayla joined in.

The days passed, and it was time for Ayla and the Searchers to head out from Lion Camp and travel the rest of the way to Zelandonii lands. Ayla was familiar with the route from Lion Camp to the Nineteenth Cave, Azalakesh no longer needed to lead the way. This pleased Azalakesh as he could leave Ayla's group whenever he wanted to. However, he was determined not to stop leading until Ayla and the Searchers reached the Nineteenth Cave. After it was reached, he planned to head directly to the Ninth Cave and visit his old friend Willomar.

Once the trek was underway, Ayla spoke with the Searcher's leader. "Kalkee, I want you to know some things. The first thing happens when we reach the Nineteenth Cave. Jondalar will have already spoken to Tormaden, and as leader, he will assist you in gaining lodging within the Nineteenth Cave. He will also assist your people in becoming Zelandonii. After getting there, I will be leaving you for personal reasons and will travel with Bandoman and Jaradal to The Clan of the River Neemah. Sky will remain at First Wolf Cave.

"Tormaden or another leader or two will be accompanying you to seven nearby Zelandonii caves. Each of your people should consider the various caves you visit as a possibility for a new home. Your people are free to choose any of the Zelandonii caves as a home and to the south we have twelve more caves to choose from. If for some reason someone wishes to move to a different cave, they are free to do so. Please tell these things to your fellow Searchers."

"Ayla, you spoke of a 'first thing' then spoke of many things, what is the second thing you wish me to know?"

Ayla paused and felt a shiver. "Kalkee, I have forgotten the second thing. When it comes back into my mind, I will speak with you again." The second 'thing' was the Ex-Chimu and their three caves. Only 'First Place' was being used. 'Second Place' had been abandoned as was 'Third Place-Skull Cave.'

Third Place was tainted by Chimudonii renegades when they stacked the skulls of murdered Clan men, women, and children, just inside the cave entrance. No one would ever occupy Skull Cave again.

The renegades were a splinter group who had previously broken from the Chimu and decided to call themselves 'Chimudonii.' They sought out Clan people to kill and even fought with others who hindered their activities against the Clan. The two leaders of the Chimudonii were outcasts from the Ninth Cave, Ayla's home cave, and it was through Ayla's efforts that the Chimudonii renegades were defeated.

"Durcan I am excited to brave the late snows and travel to greet mother and my sister while they are still at Lion Camp. Traveling back to Ninth Cave with Barrie and mother will allow us to talk fully of what has happened since we were parted!" A true tone of excitement was in Ava's voice.

"Ya, but it won't do much good for Rushemar or Artibon to hear you women yack incessantly. After living together I'm kinda used to it now." Durcan was smiling.

"Yes, and just think of how much better a man you are because of my yakking."

"I am nearly a cripple because of it!" Durcan was smiling even more.

"That's not my problem big man, deal with it... Oh, by the way, I just heard the sound of a real live Yabut. I think you and I should yack about it."

"Ava, look over there behind that tree, there's a whole family of Yabuts..." Durcan was smiling as was usual anytime he was around Ava.

"Are you going blind Durcan? Those aren't Yabuts, those are 'Yes dears.' You remember Yes dears don't you Durcan, they are creatures protected by The Great Earth Mother and keep peace within families!"

"Yes, dear..." Durcan knew when he was beaten; sometimes you just can't win.

Between the two at this moment, it was Ava showing the broadest smile. The trek to Lion Camp went quickly. Durcan knew the way to get there from the Ninth Cave and the horses the four rode made the trip only three months instead of four.

"Durcan, I want to thank you again for thinking of us when planning this trek. Neither of us has ever been to Lion Camp but we have heard stories of your mother and father when they were there."

"Rushemar, you and Artibon have been very popular among the women since returning from your snake pit rescue. The base reason I asked you to come was to gain viable protection during the trek. An additional reason was to help you both become legends among the Zelandonii women."

"Durcan, I'm already legend, it's Artibon that needs the help."

"Hey! Hold up there Rushemar, I'm legend too you know!"

"Artibon, in your own mind perhaps you are, but such is a delusion and reveals your addled mind for all to see."

Artibon abruptly changed the topic. "Rushemar, slow to a stop and look to your right as you slow." Artibon had spotted two wolves traveling parallel to their path and within spearthrower range. "I will get the one following the lead wolf, you are in the best position to go after the leader."

"...And I am gonna go after any other wolf dumb enough to show up," Durcan added. Spearthrowers were ready in an instant and the first two wolves were taken down as they were positioning for an attack. Ava was frozen in place and it wasn't because of the cold weather. She watched as Durcan took down a third wolf. Artibon and Rushemar brought down a fourth and then a fifth wolf.

Now the remaining pack ran at the group. Durcan got one running towards Ava. Rushemar downed a wolf just as it turned towards Durcan while Artibon got a dart off and killed a wolf approaching Rushemar from behind. Durcan brought down yet another wolf that had looked in Ava's direction. Blackie stood with bared teeth and growls to prevent still another wolf from advancing towards Ayla. The act of retreating at Blackie's growl actually saved the predator's life because the wolf retreated with his four remaining companions.

"Nine down and five running away, good job men!" Durcan was pleased he had chosen these two friends as travel companions. The entire group was aware of the dangers of wilderness travel, but such is life in the Earth Mother's world. Ava calmed down after a bit and only started talking when she realized nature was insisting on a short break. An outcropping of bushes took care of her immediate needs and a different outcropping took care of the men's needs.

Retrieving darts and spears from fallen animals can be dangerous but even more-so when the animal is a wounded predator. An animal can be brought down but not be dead when the time for retrieving darts or spears is at hand. Also, other predators could still be in the area. Only one of the nine downed wolves was still alive when darts were retrieved; that one was soon dispatched to the predator spirit world with his friends.

Blackie had stayed by Ava's side the entire time and would only leave her to intercept any wolf or other creature that went after her. It seemed strange to have a wolf protecting her from wolves; she was happy Blackie was there. "Blackie, you deserve a really good meal tonight." Normally Blackie would have seen the pack of wolves or smelled their scent, but the predators were well downwind of Blackie's position between Ava and Durcan and the constant talking as the group traveled hindered hearing any noises the pack may have made.

The Karren tribe had become members of Lion Camp and had been trained in using the spearthrower. With Medicine Woman Barrie staying, the camp could grow. In leaving Lion Camp, Ayla was enjoying being in the lead as the group of Searchers headed to Nineteenth Cave. The lands and paths were familiar territory to her and brought back memories of Jondalar and herself when he was taking her to his Zelandonii people summers ago.

"Ayla," Azalakesh called out from ten steps away.

"Yes, Aza?"

"At this point I suggest I take the lead for a week. I can shorten our trek to the Nineteenth by eight days if we take a different way than the traditional path. Willomar and I always walked the route when returning to the Zelandonii because it is much easier walking and a shorter path to the Nineteenth."

"Aza, that sounds good to me!" Ayla gave Aza a broad smile; a like smile was returned as Aza took the lead. Ayla began reflecting on all the travel time Aza had saved them in walking from the Karren Tribe to Lion Camp and now the additional time saved in getting to the Nineteenth. 'I am so pleased Aza decided to travel with us as a guide and I will be even more pleased when I get to see my family, and the rest of those at Ninth Cave.' Ayla's thoughts reflected caring.

Three and a half months after leaving Lion Camp, Ayla's group was at Hilltop Holding. Azalakesh had done a wonderful job as guide. This was an overall savings of two weeks. If impediments had not been present, the time saved would have been three weeks.

The advanced age of a few of the people altered travel to the Nineteenth because high elevations caused thin air and the combination of walking up multiple grades and breathing thin air required route changes to achieve easier breathing and walking for the older adults.

The altered route was unfortunate in that if Ayla had continued on the traditional route, they would have met up with Durcan, Ava, Rushemar, Artibon, and Blackie.

Durcan's group rode into Lion Camp on horses. In the summer Ava had been with Durcan she had mastered riding a horse. Durcan's mother had Whinny with her at Lion Camp when Jondalar was first taking her to the Zelandonii so this meant many of those at Lion Camp had seen horses ridden and were not afraid when Durcan's group rode into camp. "Hello this place," Durcan called out.

"Hello Durcan, hello Ava, and welcome to Lion Camp you who are strangers.

"Durcan, you and Ava are back so soon. Is there any problem, has something bad happened?" Rushemar and Artibon smiled at each other when they heard the man call them strangers, being called a 'stranger' was new to them.

"No bad news Ralev, just a surprise visit so Ava can reunite with her sister and introduce me to her. By the way, this is Artibon and this is Rushemar. These two hunters are my best friends, and we have a long history together." Durcan had pointed to each man as he spoke.

"Ralev?" Both Artibon and Rushemar were very surprised and had spoken in unison. "You are 'Ralev' the traveling storyteller?" Rushemar blurted out.

"Yes, I used to be known as a traveling storyteller but that was many summers ago. I am now the Hunt Leader and storyteller for Lion Camp."

"We listened to your stories many summers ago at six different Summer Meetings when we were children but never thought about meeting you in person as adults." Artibon's surprise and pleasure at meeting someone so famous, and a highlight of his childhood, was fully apparent and Rushemar was experiencing the same feeling of awe.

"Rushemar... Artibon, I am pleased to have entertained you summers ago! During your stay I ask that we three sit and talk of those times. I assure you it will be my pleasure," Ralev replied.

Wanting to deal with matters at hand, Ralev turned to Durcan. "Your friends are our friends Durcan; I will lead your group to Barrie then I will arrange sleeping quarters for your group. I see you have brought horses as your mother did many summers ago.

"Yes, it is a much faster and easier way to travel."

"Go ahead and position them so they may find some warmth from our central fire pit, then allow me to lead your group to Barrie. I am certain she will be extremely happy you have come to see her."

Ava's first priority was to reunite with Barrie; she wanted Durcan to share the moment with her. She and Durcan would want to see their mother next and were looking forward to that reunion as well. Ralev lead Ava's group to Barrie's hearth and called out, "Barrie, there are those out here who wish to speak with you."

"I will be out in just a moment Ralev, I just want to put on a warm shawl." Stepping outside, she saw Ralev and three men she didn't know. Each of the four men quickly stepped aside to show Ava standing behind them with her arms open wide. Barrie took a large breath and ran to her sister. She didn't even take time to shout her sister's name.

"Barrie! I have missed you so much! What has been going on since I left you? Were there any problems in Ayla's bartering with Kregg? Are you all right?"

"Ava, I have missed you too and being with you again makes everything like warm sunshine." Both young women were happy as they rocked left and right during an extended hug.

Barrie raised her head to look at her sister. "Why are you here? You should be at the ninth cave with Durcan!"

Ava released her sister but held Barrie's left hand snugly as she stepped back two short steps. "Let me look at you!"

"Yes, and I want to look at you as well, but again, why are you here?"

"We are here so we can travel with you and Ayla back to the Zelandonii, we wanted to surprise you."

"Ava, I fear you will be the one who will be surprised. Ayla, Bandoman, and Jaradal, left Lion Camp three weeks ago and Sky went with them. I didn't go because Lion Camp needs a Medicine Woman. The Karren have been accepted into Lion Camp and Ayla has pronounced me to be a fully qualified Medicine Woman. I have chosen to stay here until she can find and send someone to replace me. How did you not cross paths? Never mind, I think I know why."

"Barrie, why would that have happened?"

"Azalakesh is why, he is Karren and is a master trader and guide. He led the Karren Tribe and The Searchers to Lion Camp. His travel skills saved us weeks of travel time and I think he probably took Ayla, Jaradal and Bandoman, and The Searchers on a different path to the Zelandonii. Azalakesh was planning to bring Ayla and the Searchers to a place called 'Hilltop Holding' and I would bet he took them off the traditional path to save travel time."

"That would make sense," Durcan said though somewhat unsure if he should speak since he had no knowledge of a group called 'The Searchers.' When Durcan, Jondalar, Ava, and Blackie headed out from Ayla's Clan to reach Lion Camp, they were aware of the Markaii outcasts but were unaware of the subsequent name change.

"Barrie, I need to introduce you to my companions. This ugly man is Durcan and I am sure Ayla has told you about him."

"Ugly man?" Barrie said as she held out her hand to Durcan and turned her head to look at Ava at the same time. Barrie was expecting to hear a good story.

"Barrie, I will tell you the whole story behind the 'ugly' later. This man is Rushemar, he lives at Ninth Cave...and this man is Artibon. He lives at Twenty-ninth Cave-South Face but is often at the Ninth Cave and usually stays with Rushemar whenever he is. They are Durcan's best friends and I know them to be good men." The expanding joy within the two sisters at being reunited was truly heartwarming.

Each of the two men reached out to shake hands with Barrie. Rushemar was closest to Barrie and she looked at him as he shook her hand. 'Rushemar,' was all she said as she greeted the man and gave a single affirmative nod as she spoke.

As would be expected, Barrie turned to Artibon next and held out her hand. Artibon felt an odd excitement as he took Barrie's hand and added his left hand to cup the top of her hand as he shook hands with the prettiest woman he had ever met. Each of the two young people felt something inside and the 'something' was strange to both of them. Artibon spoke Barrie's name when greeting the woman. Barrie and Artibon had both felt a tingle and their eyes were on each other constantly from the moment they were introduced.

"Tell me Artibon, how did Durcan get you to go with him on such a long trek? Were there any problems along the way? Ayla mentioned to me that you are just as good with a spearthrower as Durcan, is that right? Do you have skill with a sling as well? I see four horses, which one is yours?"

Barrie asked her sister fifty questions a day but NEVER asked multiple questions of strangers until she got to know them.

"The last horse on the right is mine, but the answers to your other questions will require we spend some time together because they are long answers." Barrie couldn't take her eyes off Artibon; there was something about him. She had felt a tingle when he took her hand in greeting. 'I didn't feel off balance when Durcan and Rushemar took my hand, so why the tingle with Artibon?' This tingle was a first for Barrie and she enjoyed the feeling. She also enjoyed just thinking about the feeling.

"Ava, it is nearing time for the last meal of the day so I suggest we sit and eat together, and I can then answer any questions you have. Artibon, would you sit beside me as well?"

"Barrie, I would be very pleased to sit beside you."

Much the same as Barrie, Artibon himself was feeling true intrigue for the first time. The feeling was new to him as no other woman he had ever met elicited such within him. It struck him that no woman he had ever met had whatever it was Barrie had. She was nearly fourteen and she was growing in a pleasing manner but that didn't account for the tingle.

Rushemar was disappointed at seeing Barrie's attention was solely on Artibon. He would have liked at least a chance to get close to her, but Barrie only gave him obligatory attention. It was obvious that Barrie and Artibon were developing a relationship from the moment they met. Such was not uncommon among tribes but usually time spent together was the force that brought two people together. Common histories, family relationships, and friends was yet another way.

Durcan took Artibon aside the following morning and spoke in a direct manner to his friend. "Artibon, what do you think you're doing? Barrie is too young for you. "I don't want her to be teased and then cast aside. She is Ava's sister, and I won't allow you to kiss the girl and run."

"That's the thing Durcan, I am feeling something for Barrie and what I feel is strong. I think she is about two or three summers younger than me, but she acts six summers older. She looks a lot like Ava and is obviously unlike any female at the Ninth, twenty-ninth, or any of the other Zelandonii caves and I see no vanity or cattiness.

"Durcan, I like her and want to get to know her. Who asks so many questions? How did she become a Medicine woman so young? What is she looking for in a mate? Why does sh ..."

"MATE! You said MATE Artibon! Are you ill? Do you have a fever?"

"Durcan, I really like her. I like her questioning mind, her personality, and the drive within her to learn. I have accomplished little to nothing in my life compared to her and she is straight forward in talking about things and she knows ten times more than any other woman I have ever met. I want to take things slow and if I have a fever, I like the fever I have. I want her to like me Durcan, understand?"

"Artibon, I do understand. I was the same way with Ava the first time I saw her. You know that I have always trusted you, and I can see you are speaking truth. I can only wish you the best, but you left out the fact Barrie isn't hard to look at."

"She isn't hard to look at you say?... I hadn't noticed."

"LIAR," Durcan replied. Both men were showing broad smiles.

Rushemar met a woman at Lion Camp the following day. She was orphaned when young. The two were only one year apart in age and she had inherited a cave which was now her hearth. She showed interest in him. The two got to know each other over meals she cooked for him, nothing physical had yet come about.

"Ava, I want to talk with you about our Karren family; I know the actual names of our father and mother. These are things Jana, the Spirit Leader of the Karren Tribe told me. Do you remember Kertem, Tahma, and Mook?"

"Barrie, I sort of remember them. Kertem and Tahma were friends of the family just like Jana was and they were around quite a lot as I recall. I think Mook was an uncle that tended to keep to himself although I did see him on occasion. Now, tell me the names of our father and mother!"

"Our father's name was 'Elmar' and 'Vernah' was our mother's name. Kertem, Tahma, and Mook were our older brothers, not just friends of the family. Spirit Leader Jana told me that Tahma mated and later moved somewhere southwest when he was twenty-seven summers. Kertem also went somewhere south several summers later and neither of the two were never heard from again. Mook didn't come to Lion Camp, he was the only one in the Karren who didn't come. He is still at what was our Karren home. But listen, Jana herself is special to us as well."

"Of course she is, she told you about our brothers and our parents."

"There is another reason she is special to us; Spirit Leader Jana is our oldest sister and Donah is the name of our next oldest sister. Donah mated and moved away from the Karren and I think she went far south because she was tired of snow and was told there is no snow in the South. Evidently our parents had one other daughter, she was named Necee. Jana told me she was very pretty and was smart. Between the wide difference in our ages and the fact life has scattered our family over the summers, you and I are lucky we are still together."

"That's very true, so where is our oldest sister?"

"I am right behind you." Jana opened her arms as Ava turned around. The two came together and shared hugs. Barrie joined in and the three ended up chatting the rest of the day. Part of the chatting was about sister Necee and the two different barma loving men she had mated with. She tried living with another man for a short time, but the relationship was lacking. She was sad to leave him but happy to move on.

"Durcan, two months have passed since we got here, do you think Ava is about ready to head back to the Zelandonii?"

"Rushemar, Ava is ready to head back, it's Artibon I'm concerned about. He is constantly with Barrie and the two are tied at the waist. She is enthralled with Artibon and he is enthralled with her. I've not said anything to him yet about when we will be leaving, but I agree with you, I'm ready to head back. I will go and speak with him now and hopefully we can all head back soon."

Durcan formed his thoughts and was pleased to find Artibon and Barrie talking outside her Medicine Woman's hearth. "Hello Barrie, I wish to speak with Artibon, could I steal him from you for a few moments?"

"Yes, you may take him away, he is nothing but a bother to me." Durcan's eyebrow lifted.

"...And Barrie is a simpleton with no sense of humor." Now Durcan understood and knew the two were comfortable teasing each other. When that happens in a relationship, there is generally no turning back.

"Okay, be nice for a moment, I need to talk with Artibon."

"Does that mean 'no females allowed' Durcan?"

"Generally speaking, yes, no females allowed."

"Okay but return him unharmed or you're gonna answer to me."

"Anything but that, anything but that!" Barrie took a fun swat at Durcan as the three laughed. She then turned politely and walked to the adjacent hearth to check on a little boy who had fallen the prior day and scraped his elbows and knees. His condition was nothing major or pressing but served as a way to let Artibon and Rushemar have some privacy in whatever the two men were about to speak of.

"Artibon, are you about ready to head back to the Zelandonii? Ava, Rushemar and I are well ready."

"Until now I hadn't even thought about when we might leave, but give me a moment... Durcan, I don't want to go back. I have found the woman I have been looking for and I will not leave her. I will only leave when Barrie is willing and able to go with me."

"Artibon, are you certain of this?"

"I am certain, and I am firm in this; I will not be going back with you. I'm sorry I hadn't thought about leaving, but your question has caused me to consider things in my life. I will not leave Barrie and I hope you can understand."

"Then we three and Blackie will leave in two days and I will speak of this when we three get back to the Zelandonii. The unmated young women within the Zelandonii will realize a dreaded event has come about, beyond that there is only one thing I can say; Artibon, welcome into our family." This was said with pleasure and a smile.

Artibon was startled for a moment then responded, "Durcan, do what I tell you to do from now on and there will be peace within our family." Durcan gave his friend a broad smile and a reassuring man hug. The two friends continued to talk and laugh, and it wasn't too long before Barrie returned to claim her property.

"Well, it looks like you two have finished your serious and 'female free' talk. Artibon, you will need to tell me what you two have spoken of after Durcan leaves."

"Barrie, I can't tell you that, they are 'man secrets' and to speak of them would violate the male code of conduct."

"I would be violating the female code of conduct if you don't yield to my wishes, and then I will be forced to drag it out of you. Artibon, are you aware lives have been lost for failure to cooperate in matters such as this? Do you enjoy pain Artibon?" These were rhetorical questions, yet Barrie was pleased to ask them.

"You can't make me tell."

"Oh yes I can," Barrie said as she turned to walk away.

"No, you can't."

"Yes, I can," Barrie said over her shoulder from ten feet away.

"No, you can't," replied Artibon now twenty feet away from Barrie.

Continuing to walk away from Artibon, Barrie replied in a 'sing-song' voice, "Ohhh yes I caa-ann." Barrie held a broad smile as she slipped into her hearth.

'Artibon is gonna fail in this and his so-called male code of conduct will be set aside and forced to yield to a girl of nearly fourteen summers... 'No, a nearly fourteen-summer woman... no still, he will be forced to yield to a powerful woman nearing fourteen summers in age! Hopefully he will survive the defeat and if he does, he will rise a better man for it!' Barrie's thoughts were right on target.

Now alone again, Durcan spoke to his friend. "Artibon, you know you're gonna cave in and tell her don't you." Durcan was stating the harsh realities of life.

"I may tell her some stuff and a white lie here and there, but I don't want to reveal the part where I said I have found the woman I have been looking for."

"That is exactly the part you should tell her. What you say to her is based on what she says to you. Likewise, what she says to you is based on what you say to her. Tell Barrie how you feel about her, doing so will give her the opportunity to search her own heart and respond. By the way, she grew up in the Clan and can discern a lie the moment you say it. She will see it in your stance, the tone and inflection in your voice, the look in your eyes, and other little ways just like my mother does. Resign yourself to truth, or you don't stand a chance of winning her heart."

"But what if she doesn't feel the same way about me?"

"Then she will tell you and you'll need to go forward from there. May I ask you a couple of questions Artibon?"

"Sure, Durcan, go ahead and ask."

"Artibon, have you ever gotten in trouble for telling a lie?"

"Sure, plenty of times."

"Do you like the sick feeling you get inside when you are found out?"

"No, I hate that feeling."

"Have you ever gotten in trouble for telling the truth?"

"No."

"So why would you ever want to lie? Build a life on truth and others will honor you. Build a life on lies and others will shun you. This includes Barrie, her life revolves around truth and she will shun those who lie."

"Durcan, how do you know these things?"

"It's Clan wisdom my mother taught me."

"Durcan, should I cave in quickly in the telling or should I try to hang on for as long as I can?"

"Artibon, Barrie is a woman, so it is totally impossible to know, and as such, I have no idea, no idea at all..."

Spring was nearing and the trek back to the Zelandonii was only impacted by snowmelt water hindering their path. Artibon had stayed at Lion Camp and was having no regrets. He had kept his horse and would take pleasure in teaching Barrie how to ride the animal once spring was in full bloom. The time he spent getting to know Barrie was time well spent. Artibon spoke of mating and Barrie didn't say 'yes' or 'no,' the smile she rendered was enough.

Ava, Rushemar, and Durcan made their way back to the Ninth Cave on their own.