CHAPTER 14: Barter Violations
Nearly everyone at Kregg's cave came to the high sun feast and were not disappointed; the feast was indeed a feast. Deer, auroch, ptarmigan, rabbit and swine meats were cooked and ready as were bread cakes and late fall greens. Fruits and nuts were plentiful, and tea was brewed in quantity.
Kregg viewed and was well pleased with all the butchered game the Others Mog-ur had provided and felt there was more than enough winter meat to provide for two and a half caves! Kregg wondered, 'where did the female Mog-ur find so much game that she could get so many kills so quickly?' He sought out the female Mog-ur thinking he would find her on his own.
He was failing and flustered in his effort to find the Mog-ur. Durc noticed Kregg looking somewhat lost and wanted to help him find who or what he had apparently lost. "Kregg," Durc signed, "You appear to be looking for something, who or what do you seek?"
"I am seeking the Mog-ur of the Others but do not find her." Kregg felt awkward in admitting there was something he needed help with but at least it was Durc he was signing to and not a total stranger.
"Kregg, I know where she is and can lead you to her if you would allow me." For fun, Durc showed a smile, the facial grimace that Others often show. To the Clan, the smiles the Others show appear to be looks of aggression; baring teeth is what animals do before an attack. Kregg ignored the smile grimace and simply gave Durc a nod. 'Showing the Others looks of aggression has now infected Durc,' Kregg thought.
Durc led Kregg to Uba's hearth and just inside was a female handing out tea to guests. "This woman would ask if you would like a cup of tea?" Ayla had directly addressed Durc. In servitude situations such as this, no tap on the shoulder was required. What was required in this situation was the female bowing her head momentarily after speaking.
"Yes, I would enjoy a tea and I think my friend would like one too." Kregg was Durc's friend and Ayla held out a cup of tea to the man. Kregg accepted the cup but it wasn't tea he was looking for. Ayla was anxious and was no longer feeling the need to be formal.
"Kregg, did you bring Barrie with you? Do you feel the butchered game is enough in barter?" Ayla had signed the question directly to the leader.
Leader Kregg was confused. 'Did the female Mog-ur tell every single one of the Others about the barter between the Mog-ur of the Others and me? Can she not keep private that which should be kept private?' Kregg dismissed the female's question and signed, "I will only discuss my barter with the female Mog-ur of the Others, now go away.''
Both Ayla and Durc now realized why Kregg was acting odd. He had only seen his mother with a Mog-ur's painted face. "Mother, how can you convince Kregg you are the Others Mog-ur he seeks?" Durc's question was not signed.
"Durc please go quickly and bring Brac back with you. Kregg knows Brac and the two of you can vouch for me," she signed. Durc turned and immediately left. Ayla had signed her instructions so Kregg could see what she told Durc. Ayla now signed to the Clan leader, "Kregg, I am the Mog-ur of Mog-urs of the Others. It was me you bartered with. I can understand why you cannot accept me as such as you have only seen me once and only seen me when I was wearing the Mog-urs sacred ceremonial face. As you have seen, I have sent Durc to bring Brac to us so they can attest to who I am."
"Woman, in this matter I wish to listen to my own Mog-ur, send someone to bring him as well." This was a command and was signed curtly as would be expected when talking to a woman.
"Kregg, when we last met, I told you to address me as Mog-ur, not 'woman.' Under the circumstances, I will overlook this transgression because of your uncertainty as to who you are addressing. However, I again remind you to show me respect as a Mog-ur. I will now direct someone to find Mog-ur Garsh and bring him to us." Kregg felt betrayed that the female Mog-ur had also told her people of the admonishment she had laid upon him relative to how he was to address her.
It wasn't long before Durc, Brac, and Mog-ur Garsh were present with Kregg and Ayla. Kregg wanted to control the questions and contemplate the answers given.
"Brac, who is this female?" He avoided saying, 'woman.'
"Kregg, this female's name sound is 'Ayla.' She is Durc's mother and is also the Mog-ur of Mog-urs of the Others."
'Okay, my fellow leader says the woman is who she says she is,' he thought.
"Durc my friend, who is this female?"
"Kregg, this female is my mother. Adopted by Creb as a child, she is the Others Mog-ur of Mog-urs."
'Durc also says the female is both his mother and the Mog-ur I seek,' he thought.
Now Kregg turned to Garsh, "Mog-ur Garsh, who is this female?"
"Kregg, to be certain of this female I must ask her one question in private. Would you allow me this?"
"Certainly Mog-ur." The entire exchange was out of the ordinary. Kregg knows Brac and Durc would not lie, yet the importance of the matter forced him to abandon normal practices.
Mog-ur Garsh led Ayla to a nearby hearth and made certain they were in private. "The only way you can correctly answer my question is if you truly are the Mog-ur Kregg seeks. I now ask, what are the meanings hidden within the face of Mog-urs when in a sacred ceremony?"
As she had done previously Ayla signed, "White symbolizes the purity of the Spirit World and the red represents the blood of all living creatures. The pattern of red lines is one that we Mog-urs paint on our faces during our most sacred ceremonies. The circles represent the active communication between mind and eyes, while the crows foot lines represent the different paths Ursus may choose to send us. The single vertical line separates good and evil in the mind as it crosses the forehead, the five senses at crossing the nose, truth and lies as it crosses the lips, and the centered nature of Ursus in all things as it crosses the chin."
"Mog-ur, I had no idea what you look like without the sacred face! I have questions I would like to ask you, may I ask?"
"Yes, Garsh, you may ask."
"I assume all of Brac's hunters helped you down the game we will soon take back with us. Am I correct?"
"No, only six of Brac's hunters were involved in downing the animals plus three Others like myself. My wolf companion was with us also."
"Mog-ur, you hunt with a wolf?
"Yes, I do, and she will not harm anyone unless protecting someone or something or unless commanded to do so. Garsh, note that my wolf did not kill any of the game. She only scared game toward our hunters. What is your next question?"
"When can we speak of The Woman Who Hunts?"
"I am The Woman Who Hunts, but let us wait to speak until tomorrow and after all of your people have left. I will ask two of our hunters to escort you back to your Clan when we are finished. Would that be acceptable?"
"Yes, Mog-ur, that would be perfect!" Garsh had accepted her to be 'The Woman Who Hunts' and as such, no violation of Kregg's barter had occurred.
Returning to Kregg, Garsh announced, "Kregg, this female is indeed the Others Mog-ur you bartered with. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind."
Convinced the female was the Others Mog-ur, Kregg now answered Ayla's initial question. "Mog-ur, I have brought the child 'Barrie' with me as you asked, and I find enough meat to feed two or three caves. However, you have violated our terms of barter and for that reason I cannot release Barrie to you, but I am well satisfied with the amount of game you have provided in your failed barter." Garsh had told Kregg about the Others tendency to tease and the leader wanted to see if he could tease Mog-ur Ayla.
'Mog-ur Garsh says being a Mog-ur means she and I are equals and to tease would show the female Mog-ur my acceptance of her status.' Kregg has a lighter side, but to show weakness to a female is something not done.
Being equals negated that custom and showing his lighter side to an equal was not showing weakness.
"Kregg, where have I violated our barter terms? I am certain I have not violated our barter." Ayla was showing indignity in her signing and Kregg was enjoying it.
"Mog-ur, the fact the meat was butchered by Brac's women has not gone unnoticed. Our barter terms were that the women of my Clan would butcher the game and transport it to my cave. This was where you violated our barter terms as Brac's women butchered the game and transported it to Brac's cave not mine as we agreed."
"WHAT! I gave your people favors in doing the butchering!"
"Mog-ur, yes, it was kind, and I am in gratitude for your actions, but it was still a violation of our barter terms, therefore all the meat is mine and I have no obligation to release Barrie as we had agreed. I am sorry if this is a hardship for you but a barter is a barter, and a barter agreement is an agreement." Ayla had discerned a teasing tone in Kregg's signing even though Kregg was doing his best to hide his tease. She would now begin to give the man some payback.
"Kregg, if that is my violation, I must remind that you agreed, as you have just stated, it was to be your women who would do all the butchering and transportation of game, yet your women never showed up! You are the one who first violated our agreement."
"I have not violated our agreement! You didn't tell me when or where you would be hunting!"
"Such is not my problem or concern. Leave if you must but since you were the first to violate our barter agreement, I have no obligation to give you any of the game we have killed and butchered. Now you must keep the problem child and I wish you luck in hunting game for the winter considering all the game in the north is in our storage pits and guarded by twice the number of hunters as your Clan has." Ayla allowed just a bit of teasing to show in her signing.
"My people must have meat fo..." It was now that Kregg realized Ayla had discerned his tease and was putting forth her own tease and obviously enjoying his alarm. "Mog-ur, I would suggest that I forgive your violation and you forgive mine. Then we can continue as if no violations have occurred." Kregg was now feeling more at ease with the Others Mog-ur.
"Kregg, that is exactly what I was thinking we should do, but I would require you to show a smile grimace as we Others often do. Doing so will be a confirmation of our mutual understanding."
"Only because you are Durc's mother will I do so." Kregg then gave his best imitation of the smile grimace. Those present broke out in laughter including Kregg himself. The laughter ending, Kregg signed, "Mog-ur, with your permission, I would like to give The Tribal Clan of Mixed Peoples the excess meat my Clan and your Clan will not need. I am told they are a somewhat new and disorganized group and I fear for their wellbeing over the winter."
"Yes, Kregg, as you say, I have more than enough meat to fulfill our barter and for my Clan as well. You may do as you suggest with the excess meat." The fact Kregg was concerned about the well-being of what sounded like a mixed blood tribe told her much about his character. "I honor you for bringing the Tribal Clan to my attention." Ayla would ask Durc about the Tribal Clan when in private.
Kregg now signed to Mog-ur Garsh, "Please bring the Others child to us."
"Kregg, I will find her and return shortly." What constitutes 'shortly' lies in the eyes of the beholder. Barrie was not where Garsh had left her, so he started to ask around. "Have you seen Barrie? Do you know who and where Barrie is?" With so many people at the impending feast, the Mog-ur was hampered by crowds. Not knowing where things and places were, he was somewhat helpless.
While waiting for Garsh to bring Barrie, Kregg began asking Ayla about the hunt that had occurred. He wasn't looking for detailed information, he was simply seeking polite conversation.
"Kregg, after training with a spearthrower weapon, six of Brac's hunters went hunting with me, and my two shadow hunters. We had a female helper but all she did was scare game towards our hunters. It took us fifteen moons to get the game. Our women did the butchering and our other women worked in concert with our hunters in transporting the meat. It was our wood crafters who made the new weapons for the six Clan hunters and they did it while the Clan hunters were being trained in using a spearthrower."
"Mog-ur, a fifteen-moon hunt by only nine hunters providing a full winter's quantity of meat for more than two caves? That is hard to believe." Kregg was highly skeptical.
"Kregg, if you like, I can get my new weapon and I will show you how it works." Durc didn't think his mother would mind his intervening since she had said nothing to indicate otherwise and the fact he was one of the six Clan hunters. The fact only nine hunters did the killing was something Kregg still did not fully believe.
Now Durc signed to his mother just to be certain of her approval. "Mother, I wish to take Kregg out and show him my spearthrower and how it is used, do you mind?"
"No Durc, I don't mind that at all because I would like to spend some time with Brun."
Seeing Ayla's statement, Kregg was thinking of the relationship between Durc and his Mog-ur mother. He had seen Durc's signing and thought to himself, 'It seems kind of amusing that Durc, a fully-grown man and a leader, would have to ask his mother's approval to show me his new weapon... 'Mother and child,' he thought.
What Durc had asked his mother was referencing himself and Kregg leaving, it was not to get her permission to show the weapon. Kregg had simply missed the point as many might do in this situation.
Brac and Mog-ur Goov were present and volunteered to remain and wait for Garsh to return with Barrie. "When Mog-ur Garsh returns with the child, we will bring her to you here at Uba's hearth." Two fingers of time passed before Brac and Mog-ur Garsh arrived at Uba's hearth with Barrie. Seeing an injured man lying on a sleeping platform, Barrie ignored those present and went to the man. He had a broken arm and many cuts.
"What happened to this man?"
"He was under a tree during a storm and a limb broke from the tree and struck him. He has been unconscious since he was found." It was Uba who signed the answer to Barrie's question. Barrie could see the man's arm had been set properly and his cuts had been tended to as well.
"This man is going to need nourishment when he wakes, and I can see in his eyes that he will wake soon. You should have some broth ready for him. Don't feed him too much as his body will tend to reject it. Increase his food slowly as his body learns to live again. This man's body is well bruised and needs rest. In two moons he should begin eating solid food."
Barrie had been brought to Uba's hearth and quickly knew what the man needed. She didn't yet know who Uba and Ayla were. Barrie had just voiced her medical opinion to be helpful. She had been told of the planned feast and this was the first time she had been allowed visit any other Clan. Garsh had not told her that she had been bartered away or who she would be meeting with.
"Barrie, you are speaking to Uba, Medicine Woman of this Clan, and also to Ayla, First Medicine Woman of the Others. She is also Mog-ur of Mog-urs of the Others. Beside her is Brac, leader of the Clan of the Cave Bear. I am Goov, Mog-ur of this Clan and standing next to me is leader Kregg and Mog-ur Garsh; you already know them."
It was good Goov had signed to Barrie. Brief individual introductions were made, and now Ayla wanted to speak with Barrie in a somewhat more private place. She needed to tell Barrie about Ava and Durcan. She also wanted to know more about the young woman. "Uba, I go now." Turning to her right Ayla asked, "Barrie, would you walk with me?"
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As the walk began, Barrie asked the first question. "Mog-ur, do you know how to swim?" Anticipating the question, Ayla stopped walking, turned to face Barrie, then took gentle hold of her hands and answered; "Barrie, 'Ava' is my answer. She told me you would ask that question." Barrie's fears were now relieved.
"Mog-ur, did my sister say to tell me anything if you were able to bring me out of Kregg's Clan?"
"Yes, she did! She told me to tell you, 'if a female Mog-ur has brought you from Kregg's Clan, know she and those with her are friends. She will bring you to the Clan where she was raised and then bring you to her Zelandonii tribe after the coming winter yields to the spring sun; this is where I am. I love you sweetie and I always will. I also want you to know I will be mating with the man who bartered for me." Barrie was very happy to know where her sister was and that she had met a man she wanted to mate.
She now surmised to herself, 'If Ava has coupled with a man, I know he must be a man of honor; she wouldn't mate a lesser man.' "Mog-ur, I now know for certain what you have said are Ava's words."
"How can you be so certain? Couldn't I have changed or added words to trick you?"
"Mog-ur, the words sound like Ava's phrasing when she speaks, and she said, 'sweetie,' at the end of what she said. Besides, if there were lies in what you said, I would have seen them."
"Barrie, it is good you know both the Clan's language and the Zelandonii language. I now ask that you call me 'Ayla' when we are not in a formal setting, but I must also ask, what does 'sweetie' have to do with anything?"
"This was Ava's way of letting me know she truly spoke those words. 'Sweetie,' is a pet name only she would say to me, and it is what she often called me. We decided 'sweetie' would be a secret word."
"Ayla, I am extremely happy to be here with you and I want you to know the kindness I have been shown is truly appreciated. It lessens my apprehension of what may come."
Now walking the forest trails, Ayla began the walk by telling Barrie what was going on. "Barrie, I bartered with Kregg to gain your release, and the hunters and women of the Clan of the Cave Bear helped me fulfill my barter quickly. You should know these things."
"That so many would help in such a way is something I have never experienced or even heard of. Who can I speak of my gratitude or say thank you to?"
"No thanks are needed, my Clan was working for a common cause in helping to gain your release. You are Ava's sister, and she was well liked by those within my Clan."
"Ayla, I had no idea I had been bartered for. That means I am no longer a part of Kregg's Clan and now I might see my sister again. Hallie, our Medicine Woman, confided in me that an Others man bartered for Ava and that his name was 'Durcan.' Do you know of this man?"
"Yes, Barrie, I know him well, he is my son. You need to know that Ava, Durcan, and my mate are together and have Durcan's pet wolf with them. The wolf's name is Blackie. The four left in early spring and will have wintered at a cave of Mamutoi Others known as 'Lion Camp.'
"After the winter at Lion Camp, they will trek for another four months to reach the lands of the Zelandonii, this is where my people live. As Ava said, Durcan and she have coupled and will be mated at the next Zelandonii Summer Meeting. I want you to be aware that I have a pet wolf also and 'Sky' is his name." The thought of having a pet wolf was puzzling to Barrie.
"Ayla, since you are a Mog-ur, I have a question I have yet to find an answer for. I feared Kregg's Mog-ur and didn't want to ask him but would instead ask you."
"Speak your question and I will answer it if I can."
"Ayla, you were raised in the Clan of the Cave Bear. I was raised in the Karren tribe and then Kregg's Clan, The Clan of the High Hillside, yet all Clans are of Ursus, the Great Cave Bear. I don't understand how my Clan has the High Hillside name while Ursus is the ultimate giver of life. Can you clarify this because I can't comprehend how I can be of the Clan of the High Hillside and be of the Karren Tribe and be of Ursus all at the same time." Barrie's question gave Ayla pause to think.
"Barrie, Ursus is represented by the Cave Bear and is ultimate in all Clans. Acknowledging this is what makes a people a Clan. Since Ursus is supreme and acknowledged as such, any other name or names are secondary and used only for convenience. I have been to Kregg's Clan, which is to say I have been to the Clan of the High Hillside, which is to say I have been to a people who honor Ursus as supreme. Using a leader's name is acceptable as is using the commonly known term of any individual Clan cave like 'Clan of the High Hillside.'
"It is something like Ava calling you 'Sweetie,' Hallie calling you 'Medicine Girl,' and other people calling you Barrie. All three names are referring to you."
"Okay, now I understand, and I thank you for giving me an understanding of the names and for bringing me out of Kregg's Clan of the High Hillside." Barrie wanted to show that she understood the names now.
"Barrie, these things are my pleasure to give. Would you mind extending our walk? I have much more I wish to talk about."
"Yes, I would like that." Kregg's clan had arrived a day before the feast and Ayla wanted to gain full privacy by being away from everyone. During this time Ayla asked Barrie many questions of medicinals and methods of treatments.
"Barrie, I saw you examine that man, and your suggested treatment was correct, and you have also correctly answered every medicinal question I have asked. You are the youngest Medicine Woman I know." Ayla was extremely pleased and was amazed someone of Barrie's age had such a wide knowledge of medicine.
Now being nearly thirteen and one-half summers, Barrie had never thought of herself as a 'woman,' yet this full-fledged and accomplished Medicine Woman of the Other's had addressed her as such... 'And not just a woman,' Barrie thought, 'a Medicine Woman is what she called me!' "Ayla, I have not yet been declared a Medicine Woman and would ask you to teach me more medicine on our trip back to your Zelandonii."
"Barrie, by the strength of my position as First Medicine Woman of the Others, I officially declare you to be a Medicine Woman and I would be honored to teach you what you don't already know about medicine and much more. There is no reason to wait for winter to begin, so the teaching can start now if you like."
"Yes, you are right. I would like to learn more and starting now would please me." Barrie was eager to learn from this accomplished woman.
"To begin with. I want to teach you the best way to start a fire because cleaning wounds and making medicinals usually requires boiled water."
"A burning stick is the best way to start a fire Ayla, everyone already knows that."
"What if you don't have a burning stick?"
"Then use an ember."
"If no ember is present, like when you need to start a fresh fire in the wilderness, how would you start it burning?"
"The only way to start a fresh fire is to rub sticks together. I know it isn't easy and it takes a long time because I have seen others do it. I hope to be able to do it when I get older," Barrie replied.
"How about I show you how to start a fresh fire without rubbing sticks together and how about starting that fresh fire in less time than it takes to put on a tunic. Would you like to learn that?"
"Ayla, I respect you, but what you suggest is nothing more than wishful thinking. I am young, but not gullible to any great extent and starting a fire as quickly as you say is impossible. It's like me saying I can climb a snowcapped mountain in the time it takes to pee. Some things are impossible, and I think what you are saying is one of those things." Barrie wanted Ayla to understand she was not gullible or blind when it came to the harsh realities of life.
"... I respect you as well Barrie, that's why I want to teach you to start a fire with rocks."
"We have reached the place I want to be, so how about we stop right here, and I will have Jaradal, one of my shadow hunters, gather some wood, dried leaves, and brush. You kindle the wood, and I will start the impossible fire you spoke of."
Ayla had left no verbal room to work with so Barrie just shook her head and gave an exasperated sigh along with a grimace of acceptance. Jaradal had downed a deer the prior day and had four venison steaks ready in anticipation of the evening's cooking fire.
"Ayla, what are shadow hunters?"
"Shadow hunters are regular hunters but stay out of sight as they watch and protect someone. I asked my two shadow hunters to follow us. This was to guarantee we would be safe. I will call out and they will come to us." Ayla called out and in moments Bandoman and Jaradal were in sight and walking to them, introductions and conversation came quickly.
Now Barrie turned to Bandoman and asked, "Sir, would you be my shadow hunter while I gather some invisible greens?" Bandoman was surprised by the content of the question and nodded a positive answer as he smiled. As the two began walking away Barrie shouted in a teasing voice, "Ayla, I'm leaving to find some invisible greens to cook over your impossible fire." Barrie smiled as she walked with her shadow hunter; she felt it would be fair to toss a return tease of 'invisible greens and impossible fire' right back at Ayla and she had wanted to be safe as she proved her point.
Not really going anywhere specific, Barrie began picking up invisible greens from the grass. "Bandoman, would you please help me gather some invisible greens? We have four people to feed." It was a rhetorical question that amused Bandoman; smiling, he acted on Barrie's request.
Jaradal now walked to Ayla and asked a question. "Zelandoni, Bandoman and I have spoken and ask if we may watch as Barrie learns how to start a fire."
"Jaradal, that would be fine, and I can build a rock fire pit while you are gathering firewood… One travel cake or two?" Intuition told Ayla the two hunters had bet on Barrie's reaction to seeing an instant fire come to life and she knew the two men always wagered with travel cakes as the prize.
"Just one travel cake Zelandonî," Jaradal had answered while grinning. The men were anticipating Barrie would present either a look of shock and fear or a look of total amazement. Ayla gathered some rocks and soon a fire pit was ready while Jaradal gathered what was needed for the fire.
Barrie kindled the fire but only after she notably placed her invisible greens on a somewhat flat rock next to the fire pit. Bandoman followed suit and added all the invisible greens he had collected. Ayla did as she said she would and looked to Barrie when fire sprang from within the kindled mass.
Barrie showed calm when the flame appeared, and Barrie's calm told Ayla the young woman was not prone to being fearful or shocked. Bandoman and Jaradal spoke to each other; they would each yield a travel cake to Barrie; she was the unwitting winner of the bet. She wasn't showing shock or fear, she was showing a look of curiosity. Ayla was very pleased with Barrie's reaction. It wasn't too long after the fire was started and four deer steaks were skewered that Barrie got a puzzled look on her face. "Ayla, what's that smell in the air?"
'It is not a 'smell' Barrie, it's an aroma. A rotting carcass has a smell while a forest of pine trees has an aroma. A skunk has a smell while fresh travel cakes have an aroma, other foods should have an aroma as well."
"I understand 'aroma' now. It's a word I have never heard before, but why does it make my mouth water and what causes it?"
"Barrie, I add spices to the food I cook and the aromas come from the spices. The different aromas are a gift from The Great Earth Mother. Since you have lived with the Clan from the age of seven summers you would know The Great Earth Mother as Ursus."
"Ayla, are you saying your 'Great Earth Mother' is Ursus, but with a different name? I ask this because such is what Ava and I believe. We also believe she is both male and female."
"Yes, Barrie, that is correct. Different peoples use different names for the same being. The male and female thing is of no account. No matter what name is used, it refers to that force of life among us that made the sun, the earth we stand on, the moon, and the stars in the night sky. This same force provides the water we drink, the foods we eat, and the babies we bear. All of life's joys are Hers and She is pleased when we share those joys."
"Is it The Great Earth Mother that gives us sorrows as well?"
"Barrie, her nature is being fair in opposites; 'up' is the opposite of 'down,' 'top' is the opposite of 'bottom.' 'Love' is the opposite of 'hate,' and 'life' is the opposite of 'death.' Just so, 'sorrow' is the opposite of 'joy.' Barrie, these things are what keep our world in balance."
"How do you know these things of Ursus?"
"The Mother told me when we first spoke to each other. Like you, I had asked for knowledge and She imparted the knowledge I needed to survive."
Lightning could be no match for the shock within Barrie's mind. Her eyes opened wide, "You... you talk with The Great Earth Mother?"
"I speak with Her at times Barrie, but most of the time I just listen." Barrie turned her face towards the two hunters across the fire pit; they simply nodded in affirmation of what Ayla had told her. Barrie went silent and briefly held back further questions.
"Barrie, why do you want to know all these things?"
"Because they are likely to be important things that I may have to deal with in the future. Can you tell me of these things? I wish to know your past and what brought you and your hunters to The Clan of the Cave Bear. I also want to know why your hunters treat you with total deference. Who are you that commands such without saying a word? You have a predator Wolf you call 'Sky' and the animal shows submission to your wishes also. I fully believe your hunters and Sky would give their lives for you, I can see it in their eyes and actions... Ayla, exactly who are you?"
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The meal was soon over. "Ayla, this has been the best tasting food I have ever eaten! I didn't even know food could have that much flavor."
"Thank you for the compliment on my cooking, but personally, I felt the invisible greens were a bit overcooked." Barrie laughed at Ayla's statement. "Barrie, this is as food should taste. I know the Clan doesn't know of any spice other than salt and only rarely do they ever have some on hand, so it doesn't surprise me you are so pleased."
Barrie was soon bedded down and was still in wonder at what she had learned and the tastes she had experienced. Lying safely in her sleeping fur, her mind was running at full speed. 'Ayla has become my rescuer, friend, and teacher in just one day. Not only that, she used what she called 'spices' when she cooked our meal. As much as I want to learn more medicine from her, I also want to learn about spices.'
'Ayla has told me that at the ends of the world are oceans of saltwater. She said she has seen the oceans with Creb when they went on a Spirit Journey together. She said there is more saltwater than all the peoples of the Earth Mother could ever even begin to dream of.'
'In places between the oceans, there are dry places made of salt and it can be gathered somewhat the same as you would gather flint rocks for a fire pit. It is in endless supply much like pebbles in a stream. Are spices plants or small animals? What do they look like? Where do they grow or live? When can they be harvested? How are they prepared for use? Can they be mixed with other kinds of spices?' Most of Barrie's thoughts were about the salt plant, she had no idea what a salt plant looked like.
'An endless supply is what Ayla had said.' This was the last thought to run through Barrie's mind before dropping off to sleep. She has a photographic memory that often comes in handy.
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"Ayla... Ayla... Wake up." Barrie said this as she gently shook Ayla's shoulder.
"Yes, Barrie, what is it you want," came Ayla's groggy reply.
"First I want to know what an ocean is, then I want to know how you know of Creb, and then I want to know what a Spirit Journey is, and I still want to know exactly who you are."
"Barrie, so many questions!. What did your sister think of all your questions?"
"She said I drove her crazy. I had many questions she couldn't answer, and I know my questions frustrated her, but I learned a lot." It's not easy for someone to throw Ayla off her game, but that is exactly what this young woman was doing.
"Barrie, I need to wake up before answering your questions and I will need a hot tea, but even the tea must wait until I gain a morning's relief... I will return shortly."
"Ayla, I brought you a cup of tea, so none needs to be made and I will wait here as you seek relief." Ayla rose, walked away and returned quickly, the tea would wake her mind. Ava's sister had shown unnatural abilities in her thought patterns, her perceptions, cognition and memory.
"Barrie, I can answer many of your questions but 'exactly who I am,' beyond my name, is a question I have never been asked. The answer is long, and I cannot answer right now because I have other obligations. We will have all winter together and we will also have the entire trek to Lion Camp and then to the Zelandonii. During the trek is when I will try to fully answer your question."
"The short answer to your question is that I am the totality of forty-three years of experiences and it is The Great Earth Mother that guides me. As Mog-ur Goov has said, my position is what amounts to 'Mog-ur of Mog-urs' for the Zelandonii people and First Medicine Woman as well. Living in nineteen caves, their are something over one thousand Zelandonii in total."
"When I answer fully, I will not be cryptic in the answering, but there are personal things I will choose not to reveal. You have no need to know why I feel certain ways about various things and people. These are private thoughts and feelings I would not discuss with anyone other than The Great Earth Mother. Short of those matters, I will be well pleased to tell all I can remember and can mindfully reveal without creating any threat or harm to any person I may speak of. This is likely to take the entire time we will be traveling.''
''The telling is going to be difficult for me and I seek no benefit from it. I will not speak of myself in any boastful manner but will state the facts as I know them. You must draw your own thoughts and conclusions from that. Since you are an Other who was raised in the Clan, you know little of the Others beyond what your sister has told you. I will speak considering what you likely know of both Clan and Others. Is this acceptable to you?"
"Yes Ayla, such is acceptable to me. Know that I promise to keep as confidential anything you may say to me when directed to do so."
"That, and your good judgment, is what I will rely on when speaking. When we begin our trek to the Zelandonii, Bandoman will lead our small group. 'Sky' will be with us, and a small group known as 'the Markaii Outcasts' will be behind us. Enough distance will be kept between the front and rear of our group so no one will be able to discern our private conversations. Barrie, please understand... who I am is not important. What is important are the people in need of medicinals and those who are injured and needing care.''
''There are also people asking for guidance and encouragement; the people who need and seek the blessings of Ursus. A tribe's Spirit Leader normally counsels on these matters. Some tribes have no Spirit Leader and seek Medicine Women for their spiritual needs."
Barrie was shaken. She knew Garsh, the High Hillside Clan's Mog-ur, and it was he who had brought her in silence to Ayla and Uba. She feared him because others had told her of his powers. He dealt with the Spirit World. 'I want nothing to do with the Spirit World, yet here I am, in the presence of not just a Mog-ur, but the Mog-ur of Mog-urs of the Others and I feel absolutely no reason at all to fear her.' The incongruity would require some committed thought.
ooo
It was a bright morning and now was the time for Ayla to speak with Mog-ur Garsh about 'The Woman Who Hunts.' "Mog-ur Garsh, I would like to eat a morning meal together then go for a walk. While walking, we can simply chat. When we reach an uninhabited cave I know of, we can speak openly about what we could not speak of yesterday." Ayla didn't want to sign 'The Woman Who Hunts' because of concern someone may see the words.
"Mog-ur Ayla, I understand what you are saying and could not agree more."
After eating the morning's meal, Ayla and Garsh walked to the secluded cave Ayla spoke of; no prying eyes could see them. The feast would not be held until after high sun so the two had time to talk. "Mog-ur, I know Brun was still the leader of The Clan of the Cave Bear when he gave you the title of 'The Woman Who Hunts,' but I don't know why he did it, can you tell me?"
"Not for certain, but I can tell you what I believe, but first, when we are in private, just call me 'Ayla,' my Others name."
"It pleases me to do as you request Ayla, and likewise, please just call me 'Garsh,' when we are alone.
"Very well Garsh. As far as why Brun decided to allow me to hunt and title me 'The Woman Who Hunts,' I would suggest you ask him directly because anything I would say would only be conjecture on my part, but I can tell you what led up to it though."
"Yes, please tell me what happened that caused Brun to impart the title upon you." Garsh was ready to listen and wanted to listen closely.
"I will try to be brief in telling the background leading up to Brun granting me the right to hunt and the title of 'The Woman Who Hunts.' My totem includes the mighty Cave Lion, and he scarred my body when I was a child. The lion is a hunter and I feel this may have influenced Brun's decision, but I don't know for sure. One day Uba asked me to get her some cherry tree bark and I happened upon Zugg, an old Clan hunter, trying to teach Broud how to use the sling as a weapon.''
''Broud was clumsy and seemed unable to learn to use the sling Zugg had given him. At the end of the day, Broud threw the sling to the ground. Two full moon cycles passed, and I went to where Broud had thrown the sling. As you know, in the Clan, after two moon cycles have passed, any discarded item is open for new ownership. I wanted to keep the unwanted sling for myself, and I have. I had seen Zugg's teaching and felt I could do what Broud couldn't do with a sling.''
''I taught myself how to use the sling based on what I had seen Zugg trying to teach Broud and then went beyond what even Zugg could do. I started out killing vermin stealing food from our Clan and went up to killing larger animals like wolves and boars as they were predators that killed and ate large game. Later on, I developed a double shot ability that allowed two stones to be thrown in rapid succession.''
''Brun honored me for saving Brac's life when he was just four summers. A hyena had grabbed little Brac and was dragging him away. The hyena had first bitten Brac's shoulder and then bit into an arm. Broud tried to save Brac from the hyena and failed. I saw these things and used my sling and double shot ability to kill the hyena. I then sewed Brac's torn flesh back together where the animal's teeth had torn his skin apart and I set his broken arm."
"A woman using a weapon demands a Death Curse, yet you are alive. How is this possible Ayla?"
"I was given a Death Curse of one full moon cycle and survived the set time. Using a sling was what caused me to be cursed and using the sling was what allowed me to defeat the curse by providing food during the moon cycle. I feel it was in gratitude for saving Brac's life that Brun decided to give me the right to hunt but he limited me to using a sling. It was then he gave me the title 'The Woman Who Hunts.' This is why Brun gave me the title, or at least think it was. Being a Mog-ur it was Goov who put the hunter's scar on my throat."
"Ayla, this makes sense to me and considering you saved Brac from being eaten alive by a hyena and I think the short Death Curse period was appropriate and the permission granting use of the sling in hunting was a proper thing to do. Your Cave Lion totem has caused you to work for knowledge and build the strength to survive. I am very pleased and grateful for what you have added to my knowledge."
"Do you have any more questions Garsh?"
"Just one; if Brun limited you to a sling, how is it you can use what I am told is called a spearthrower?
"Because a spearthrower is just another kind of sling. That, and the fact I am no longer in the Clan is why I can use different weapons."
"Mog-ur, I do have a request, since you knew Creb personally as his adopted daughter, would you mind telling me more about him? If you cannot do so now, I could come back at another time."
"Garsh, I could talk about Creb for a full moon cycle and only touch the surface of what I know of him. You and I have eaten a morning meal and the feast is coming near so let's talk after the feast and until night's sleep calls us. Stay all day tomorrow and leave the next morning. It just means you will return to your Gray Wolf Clan in two moons instead of one, would that be something you would like?"
"Yes, Ayla, that would indeed be something I would like!"
ooo
It was early fall when Brac, the leader of Clan of The Cave Bear, sent runners to all the leaders and Mog-urs of all Clans in the region. A meeting would occur in six days and was about an event that occurred in the past. Brac began talking directly to Durc when all the leaders and Mog-urs were gathered at The Clan of the Cave Bear,
"Durc, now I ask you to call an assembly of all adults within our Clan, male and female. I have something of great importance to bring to them of which you and Mog-ur Goov are not aware. I have important information I will only disclose to all of our people at once as it is information that will likely affect all of our individual Clans."
"Brac, it will be done." Durc knew whatever the information was, it must be of serious importance to cause Brac to call a meeting on such short notice. High Sun arrived and all but five female adults within Brac's Clan were present. Children under fifteen summers were cared for by the five. Normally hand chatter at a gathering would be seen all around, it was not present at this meeting. Breaking an awkward silence, Brac began to sign to the mass of people.
"People of The Clan of the Cave Bear, I have with me the leaders and Mog-urs of each of our different Clans and we have a common concern. Durc, I ask you and Mog-ur Ayla to escort the seven leaders and seven Mog-urs to me." It took Durc and Ayla only moments to usher the small group to the top of the three-step speaker's terrace. Brac and Mog-ur Goov were already on the terrace. "Now I ask you to bring Brun, our prior leader, to me." This was also accomplished quickly.
Brac now signed to the mass of people. "My friends and people of associated Clans represented by their leaders and Mog-urs; a wrong must be dealt with. We leaders and Mog-urs are gathered today to right a wrong that has occurred in the past. Durc, please stand on my right and Mog-ur Ayla, please stand on my left." Durc and Ayla turned to each other with questioning looks as they stepped to Brac. Neither one of them was advised why the meeting was called or even what Brac felt the need to speak of on such a short notice and why would the leaders and Mog-urs of all the other Clan caves already be here?
"Two individuals in The Clan of the Cave Bear have been wronged; these are the two." Brac extended his arms left and right to indicate Durc and Ayla were the two people being referenced. Rapid hand chatter now began within the crowd. "Mog-ur Ayla was given the Death Curse and yet she lives. Brun, please step forward and speak freely."
"Mog-ur Ayla, you were given the Death Curse by command of Broud, my son. His leadership has passed, and a new memory must be created. Mog-ur Goov please step to me... Goov, were you forced to give the Death Curse to Ayla by command of leader Broud?"
"Yes, I was commanded by him."
"Did you have any choice in the matter?"
"No, I had no choice." Goov was uncertain where this was going.
"Goov, are you still Mog-ur of The Clan of the Cave Bear?"
"Yes, I am still this Clan's Mog-ur."
"Then I now ask leader Brac to state his determination of what has occurred in our past."
"Goov, I am now the leader of this Clan, and I have determined the Death Curse placed upon this woman was wrongly placed. I now command you to remove the Death Curse from Mog-ur Ayla. She has not met death because the curse was born of hate and vengeance from within my father's heart. Again Goov, I now command you to remove the Death Curse my father forced you to cast upon Ayla. This will be held in Clan Memories as a wise and proper action to right a wrong. Goov, please step to Ayla."
Goov was unsure a curse could be removed but felt the same as Brac obviously did. "Ayla, whether in hate, vengeance, revenge or error, the Death Curse I was commanded to give you is hereby lifted."
"The curse cannot be stricken from Clan memory, but just the same, the lifting of a curse born of hate and vengeance will also be remembered. The curse you were given is gone and no longer hangs over your head... Evil must never be a part of Clan life."
Now Brun stepped to the lead edge of the terrace and directed both Durc and Ayla to step forward with him Brun turned to the right and spoke to the pair; "My son Broud was and is ill. He cares for no one but himself and has deserted his family and his Clan. I pray you may both look upon him with pity. Durc, he sent your mother away when you were a child. Ayla, Broud forced you to abandon your son, doing these things was wrong. You each deserve acclaim and honors.''
''It is good the two of you embraced the Clan with all your heart and built a bridge between the Others and ourselves. You have brought us firestones, new weapons, new ways to do things, and new medicinals Ayla, I myself would be walking the Spirit World right now if not for one of your new medicinals. Many of those people here today either directly or indirectly owe their lives to you two. I also owe you for saving the life of my grandson, Brac, when he was just a very young child.''
''We, as a Clan, are grateful, and I for one want you to know it." The group of roughly eighty people now began to make all the noise they could. A pair of young men even managed to render repeated wolf howls. Both Ayla and Durc were stunned by this 'planned impromptu' event.
Brun now finished by waving the seven other leaders and seven Mog-urs to the lead edge of the terrace saying, "Durc... Ayla, it is unfortunate that Jondalar, Durcan, and Ava are not here, they would have taken pleasure in this event."
Now each of the various leaders and Mog-urs signed gratitude for things either Ayla or Durc did specifically for their cave. "The people of my cave were saved from a fire that consumed the land surrounding my cave. Durc's 'leafer tool' prevented the fire from entering our living space." Another leader spoke, "The new hunting tactics and spearthrowers Durc has shown us has greatly lessened the likelihood of winter starvation for all of our Clans,"
"Signing for myself and my fellow Mog-urs, we are grateful for Ayla's making of the sacred root potion in the past. Doing so allowed us to visit the Spirit World and thus experience and draw upon our Clan memories." Someone in the crowd signed, "Ayla saved my son's life when he was dying from an injury just three moon cycles ago!"
Now at least half of the assembled people signed of what either Ayla or Durc had done for them in the past. Barrie wanted to sign of Ayla bringing her out of Kregg's Clan but felt it improper to join in since she wasn't Clan. This was a joyous time for the Clan and it also gave Barrie some enlightenment as to what kind of person Ayla was.
Turning to Durc, Ayla quietly asked, "Did you have any idea what Brun and Brac had planned for us? I certainly didn't know."
"No mother, I did not know of it. I will say it pleased me greatly that your Death Curse was lifted."
"After all these summers I am glad to be rid of it... but even so, I am even happier that Brun, Brac, and the other leaders and Mog-urs have honored you for what you have accomplished in your life. Durc, our people have signed their gratitude for things you have done and in so doing, have honored you for your kindness and help."
"Mother, they honored both of us…" Ayla took a moment to think about herself for a change and felt a warm glow inside as Durc's statement sank in.
ooo
During the time between the event and the evening feast that would follow, Ayla and Brun took time to be alone together." Ayla, are you aware of the problems at Lion Camp?"
"Brun, I have been made aware they have lost about one-half of their people due to aging of the elders, the death of their medicine woman, and attrition as younger adults move away thus causing a lack of enough hunters."
"Ayla, as you know, one moon cycle after your mate, your son, and your son's woman left, the Markaii outcasts left us for the spring, summer, and fall and they will again need our shelter over the winter. I know they were taught how to make and use spearthrowers and that is what enabled them to live during the time they were gone from us. The Markaii outcasts are looking to join with a tribe of Others, could they not join with your Lion Camp?"
"Brun, I see logic and kindness in your question. Yes, they will be traveling with me to Lion Camp whenever it is that I return to my Others family. Jondalar, Durcan, and Ava are staying this winter at Lion Camp and will advise the camp of the Markaii possibly wanting to join with them."
Brun's eyes grew large at the thought of Ayla leaving a second time. "Why must you go my child? Am I to lose you once again to those disagreeable Others?" Ayla knew both of Brun's questions were rhetorical and that he was teasing when he said, 'disagreeable Others.' She knew his heart would be sad at her leaving; she was sad at the thought as well.
ooo
Ayla had wondered how Brun was so well informed about Lion Camp. This was knowledge he wouldn't normally have and it must have come from talking to an Other that knew both languages or Brun could not have been so well informed. 'Who was that person? Was the information given for some specific purpose? Was it intended to help Clan and Others in their dealings? Considering an Other was the likely source, could there have been a nefarious reason the information was given?'
This wasn't very likely but when dealing with Others one never knows because unlike the Clan, not all Others speak truth. Ignoring the source, no harm has come about. This was a good thing and those within the Clan were pleased. Now Ayla was wondering, 'Why am I thinking these things?' There was no reason other than something in the back of her mind that wouldn't come forward.