by Jean M. Auel
'Well, it seems I've become a new amusement,' Marthona said, smiling back. 'As long as you really don't mind, I may call upon you for your help now and then. I'll tell you the truth, I can walk much better for short distances, but I can't go very far even with a walking stick, and I hate slowing everyone else down.'
Folara suddenly came bursting into the summer lodge. 'Mother! You're here! Someone just told me you had come to the Summer Meeting. I didn't even know you were coming.' They hugged in greeting, and touched cheeks.
'You can thank Ayla for that. When she heard that you might have found someone that you really care about, she suggested that someone go and get me. A young woman needs her mother if serious plans are being made,' Marthona said.
'She's right,' Folara said and her smile was radiant, which made Marthona know that the possibility was true. 'But how did you get here?'
'I think that was Ayla's idea, too. She told Dalanar and Joharran there was no reason that I couldn't be carried here on a stretcher by strong young men, so several of them came and got me. Ayla wanted me to come with her when she came, riding on Whinney's back, and I probably should have, but as much as I like the horses, the thought of riding one of them frightens me. I don't know how to control horses. Young men are easier. You just tell them what you want, and when you want to stop,' Marthona said.
Folara hugged her brother's mate. 'Thank you, Ayla. It takes another woman to understand. I did want my mother here, but I didn't know if she was well enough, and I knew she couldn't walk here.' She turned to her mother. 'How are you feeling?'
'Ayla took very good care of me when she was staying at the Ninth Cave, and I feel much better now than I did last spring,' the woman said. 'She really is a very good healer, and if you look closely, you will see that she is now a Zelandoni.'
Marthona had noticed the mark on the side of her forehead, Ayla realised. It was healing and there was no pain, although it itched sometimes, and she had almost forgotten about it, unless someone mentioned it or made a point of staring.
'I know she is, mother,' Folara said. 'Everyone knows, even if they haven't announced it, but like all the rest of the zelandonia lately, she's been so busy, I haven't seen much of her. They're planning some kind of ceremony, but I don't know if it will be before or after the Second Matrimonial.'
'Before,' Ayla said. 'You'll have time to talk to your mother and plan.'
'So you are serious about someone,' Marthona said. She paused and was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then she said. 'Well, where is this young man. I'd like to meet him.'
'He's waiting outside,' Folara said. 'I'll get him.'
'Why don't I go out and meet him,' Marthona said. It was dark in the summer lodge. There were no windows, only the entrance with its covering drape pulled back and tied, and the smoke hole in the middle of the roof, which was often left completely open during the day when the weather was nice. Her sight wasn't what it used to be and she wanted to get as good a look at this young man as she could.
When the three women went out of the entrance, Marthona saw three young men whom she didn't know, dressed in unfamiliar clothing, one of them a veritable giant with bright red hair. When Folara approached him first, Marthona took a deep breath. She had rather hoped he would not be the one her daughter had chosen. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with him. It was Marthona's aesthetic sense, which wasn't a deciding factor in any case, just that she always had hoped that the man Folara chose would fit well with her, that they would complement each other, and a man that big would make her tall and elegant daughter seem small. Folara began the introductions.
'Danug and Druwez of the Mamutoi are Ayla's kin. They came all this way to visit her. On their way they met another man and invited him to travel with them. Mother, please welcome Aldanor of the S'Armunai.'
Ayla watched as a young man with the dark good looks of the S'Armunai came forward. 'Aldanor, this is my mother, Marthona, former leader of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, Mated to Willamar, Trade Master …'
Marthona breathed a sigh of relief when Folara started to formally introduce her to Aldanor, not the young red-haired giant, and began to recite the strange names and ties of the young man to the older woman.
'In the name of the Great Earth Mother, you are welcome here, Aldanor of the S'Armunai,' Marthona said.
'In the name of Muna, Great Mother of the Earth, Her son Luma, bringer of warmth and light, and Her mate Bala, the watcher in the sky, I give you greetings,' Aldanor said to Marthona, putting his hands up with arms bent at the elbow and palms facing her; then he remembered, and quickly changed the position so that his arms were stretched out and his palms were facing up, the way the Zelandonii made a greeting.
Both Marthona and Ayla knew that he must have been practising the S'Armunai greeting so he could say it in Zelandonii, and they were both impressed. To Marthona, it spoke well of the handsome young man that he was willing to make the effort, and she had to admit he was a handsome young man. She could understand her daughter's attraction and, so far, was pleased with her choice.
Ayla had never heard the formal greeting of the S'Armunai; neither she nor Jondalar had ever been formally welcomed to a Camp of the S'Armunai. Jondalar had been taken prisoner by Attaroa's Wolf Women and kept in a confined fenced area along with their men and boys. Ayla and the horses with the help of Wolf followed his trail to the Camp.
After the formal greetings, Marthona and Aldanor began chatting, but Ayla recognised that while the former leader was being charming, she was also asking pointed questions to learn as much as she could about the stranger her daughter was planning to mate. Aldanor was explaining that he had met Danug and Druwez when they stopped to stay with his people for a while. He did not belong to Attaroa's Camp, but one farther north, for which he was grateful when it became known what had been going on there.
Ayla and Jondalar had become legendary figures to the S'Armunai. The tale was told of the beautiful S'Ayla, the Mother Incarnate, a living munai as fair as a summer day, and her mate, the tall, blond S'Elandon who had come to earth to save the men of that southern Camp. It was said that his eyes were the colour of water in a glacier, more blue than the sky, and with his light hair, he was as handsome as only the shining moon would be if he came to earth and took human form. After the Mother's fierce Wolf, an incarnation of the Wolf Star, killed the evil Attaroa, S'Ayla and S'Elandon rode back up to the sky on their magic horses.
Aldanor had loved the stories when he first heard them, especially the idea that the visitors from the sky could control horses and wolves. He thought the legend came from a travelling Storyteller, who must have had an inspiration of sheer genius to come up with such an innovative story. When the cousins claimed the two legendary figures were kin, and that they were on their way to visit them, he couldn't believe they were real. The young men got along well and when the two cousins extended the invitation, he decided to travel with them on their Journey to visit their Zelandonii kin, and see for himself. As the three young men travelled west, they heard more stories. The couple not only rode horses, but their wolf was so 'fierce', he allowed babies to crawl all over him.
When they arrived at the Zelandonii Summer Meeting and he heard the true story of Attaroa and the people of her Camp from Jondalar, Aldanor was amazed that the incidents in the legends were so accurate. He had planned to go back with Danug and Druwez just to tell everyone how true they were. A woman named Ayla did exist and was living with the Zelandonii, and her mate, Jondalar, was tall and blond with surprisingly blue eyes, and if a little older, still a most handsome man. Everyone said Ayla was beautiful, too.
But he decided not to go. No one would have believed him, any more than he had believed the stories that he heard were actually true. They were supernatural fables, which had a mystical kind of truth that helped to explain things that were unknown — myths. And besides, Jondalar's sister was a beauty in her own right, and she had captured his heart.
People had been gathering arou
nd as the stranger and Marthona talked, listening to the story Aldanor was telling.
'Why are the couple in the story called S'Ayla and S'Elandon, and not Ayla and Jondalar?' Folara asked.
'I think I can tell you that,' Ayla said. 'The S sound is an honorific; it is meant to express honour, show respect. The name S'Armunai means the "honoured people" or the "special people". When it is used in front of a person's name it means that person is held in great esteem.'
'Why aren't we called "special people"?' Jonayla asked.
'I think we are. I think their honorific is another way of saying "Children of the Mother", which is what we call ourselves,' Marthona said. 'Maybe we are related, or were long ago. It's interesting that they could take "Zelandonii" and so easily change it to mean one who is honoured, or the "special people".'
'When they were confined to the fenced-in area,' Ayla continued, 'Jondalar started showing the men and boys how to do things, like make tools. He was the one who found a way to break everyone free. On our travels, when we would meet people, he often referred to himself as "Jondalar of the Zelandonii". One boy in particular took the Zelandonii part of Jondalar's name and started saying it "S'Elandon", giving him the honorific, because he honoured and respected him so much. I think he believed that was what his name meant, "Jondalar the honoured one". In the legend, they apparently gave me the honour, too.'
Marthona was satisfied, for the present. She turned to Ayla. 'I am being ill mannered. I'm sorry. Please introduce me to your kin.'
'This is Danug of the Mamutoi, son of Nezzie, who is mated to Talut, the leader of the Lion Camp, and this is his cousin Druwez, son of Talut's sister Tulie, co-leader of the Lion Camp of the Mamutoi,' Ayla began. 'Danug's mother, Nezzie, was the one who gave me my wedding outfit. You remember I told you she was going to adopt me, but then Mamut surprised everyone and adopted me instead.'
Ayla knew Marthona had been very impressed by her wedding outfit, and she also knew that as the mother of the young woman who would soon be mated, she would want to know the standing of the young men, since it was likely they would be part of the Matrimonial Ceremony.
'I know others have welcomed you here,' Marthona said, 'but I want to add my greetings to theirs. I can understand how your people might miss Ayla. She would be a very worthwhile addition to any community, but if it's any compensation, you can tell them that we truly appreciate her. She has been a very welcome member of our Cave. Though a part of her heart will always belong to the Mamutoi, she is a very cherished Zelandonii.'
'Thank you,' Danug said. As the son of the leader's mate, he understood that this was part of the exchange of information that conveyed status and recognition of rank. 'We have all missed her. My mother was very sorry when Ayla left, she was like a daughter to her, but she understood that her heart was with Jondalar. Nezzie will be very pleased to know that Ayla has found such a warm welcome among the Zelandonii, to know that her exceptional qualities are so well received.' Even though his Zelandonii was not perfect, the young man was obviously well spoken, and knew how to convey the position of his family among his people.
No one understood the value and importance of place and position better than Marthona. Ayla understood the concept of status. It had been important even to the Clan, and she was learning how the Zelandonii rated, ranked, and awarded significance to people, but she would never have the intuitive knowledge that someone like Marthona did, someone who was born into the highest position of her people.
In a society without currency, status was more than prestige, it was a form of wealth. People were eager to do favours for a person with standing because obligations always had to be repaid in kind. Debt was incurred when asking someone to make something, or to do something, or to go someplace, because of the implicit promise to return a favour of like value. No one really wanted to be in debt, but everyone was, and to have someone of high standing be in your debt gave you more status.
Many things had to be taken into account when appraising status, which was why people recited their 'names and ties'. Assigning value was one, as was effort. Even if the end product was not of the same quality, if the person gave it his best effort, the debt could be considered satisfied, though it didn't increase rank. Age was a factor; children up to a certain age did not accrue debts. In taking care of a child, even one's own, a debt to the community was paid, because children were the promise of continuity.
The reaching of a certain age, becoming an elder, also made a difference. Certain favours could be asked without accruing debt and without losing status, but as a person lost the ability to contribute, he didn't so much lose rank as shift position. An elder with knowledge and experience to offer could retain his status, but if he began to lose cognitive ability, he kept his position but only in name. He would still be respected for his past contributions, but his advice was no longer sought.
The system was complicated, but everyone learned its nuances the way they learned language, and by the time they reached the age of responsibility, most of them understood the fine distinctions. At any given time a person knew exactly what he owed and what was owed to him, the nature of the debts, and where he ranked within his own community.
Marthona also spoke with Druwez, whose position was equal to that of his cousin, since he was the son of Tulie, the sister of Talut and co-leader of the Lion Camp, but he tended to be more reticent. The sheer size of Danug made him more noticeable, and though shy in the beginning, he'd had to learn to be more forthcoming. A warm smile and willing conversation tended to alleviate any fears his size may have provoked.
Finally, Marthona turned to Ayla. 'Where is that son of mine, who is so honoured by Aldanor's people?'
Ayla turned aside. 'I don't know,' she said, trying to keep her sudden flush of emotion in check. Then she added, 'I've been busy with the zelandonia.'
Marthona knew immediately that something was very wrong. Ayla had been so excited about seeing Jondalar. Now she didn't even know where he was.
'I saw Jondy walking down by The River this morning,' Jonayla said, 'but I don't know where he's sleeping. I don't know why he won't sleep with us anymore. I like it better when he stays with us.'
Although her face flushed, Ayla didn't say anything, and Marthona was certain something was seriously wrong. She'd have to find out just what was going on.
'Folara, would you and Marthona watch Jonayla, or drop her off at Levela's if you are going to the main camp? And take Wolf with you? I need to talk to Danug and Druwez, and maybe take them to the zelandonia lodge,' Ayla said.
'Yes, of course,' Folara said.
Ayla gave her daughter a hug. 'I'll see you this evening,' she said, then went up to the two young men and started speaking to them in Mamutoi.
'I was thinking about the talking drums and mentioned them to the First. Can either or both of you make the drums talk?' Ayla said.
'Yes,' Danug said. 'We both can, but we didn't bring any with us. Drums are not a necessary part of travelling gear when you go on a Journey.'
'How long would it take to make a couple of them? I'm sure we can get people to help you if you need it. And would you be willing to play out a verse or two? As part of the ceremony we're planning?' Ayla said.
The two young men looked at each other, and shrugged. 'If we can find the materials, they wouldn't take long to make, maybe a day or so. It's just rawhide stretched across a round frame, but it has to be a tight stretch so that the drum really resonates at different pitches. The frame has to be strong or it will break as the rawhide shrinks, especially if we use heat to shrink it faster,' Druwez said. 'They are small drums, and you play them with your fingers, very fast.'
'I've seen some play them with a nicely balanced stick, but we learned to do it with the fingers,' Danug said.
'Would you be willing to do it for the ceremony?' Ayla asked.
'Of course,' they said in unison.
'Then come with me,' she said as she headed toward the main camp.
On the wa
y to the large zelandonia lodge, Ayla noticed how many people actually stopped and stared at them. Though often enough she had been, this time she wasn't the one who was the object of the gawks. It was Danug. It was rude, but in a way she couldn't blame them, he was a striking figure of a man. On the whole, the men of the Zelandonii tended to be tall, well-built men — Jondalar himself was six feet, six inches — but Danug stood head and shoulders above everyone else, and he was well proportioned to his size. If seen alone from some distance, he would have seemed to be an ordinary muscular man; it was when he stood in the midst of others that his great size was so noticeable. It made her recall the first time she saw Talut, the man of his hearth, the only man she ever saw who was of comparable dimensions. She had probably stared then, even though except for Jondalar, Talut was one of the first people of her own kind she had seen since she was a small child. Maybe that was why she stared.
When she reached the great lodge in the centre of the camp, two young female acolytes approached them. 'I wanted to make sure we had all the ingredients for that special ceremonial drink you told us about,' one of them said. 'You said fermented birch sap, fruit juices scented with woodruff, and some herbs, right?'
'Yes, in particular, artemesia,' Ayla said. 'Sometimes called wormwood, or absinthe?'
'I don't think I'm familiar with that drink,' Druwez said.
'Did you stop and visit the Losadunai on your way here?' Ayla asked. 'In particular, did you share a Mother Festival with them?'
'We stopped, but we didn't stay long,' Druwez said, 'and unfortunately, they did not have a Festival while we were there.'
'Solandia, the mate of the Losaduna, told me how to make it. It tastes like a pleasant-tasting mild drink, but in fact, it is a potent mixture made especially to encourage the spontaneity and warm interaction that are wanted during a festival to honour the Mother,' Ayla said. Then to the Acolytes, she added, 'I'll taste it when you are done and let you know if anything is missing.'
