The clan of the cave bear_ a novel - Jean M. Auel [236]
Clouds of succulent steam caused empty stomachs to growl as the bear meat was removed with forked sticks. That was the signal for the other women to begin heaping platters of wood and bone and filling large bowls with the food they had labored so long to prepare. Broud and Voord stepped forward carrying large flat trays and stood in front of The Mog-ur.
“This Feast of Ursus also honors Gorn, chosen by the Great Cave Bear to accompany him. While he lived with Norg’s clan, Ursus learned that his People had not forgotten his lessons. He grew to know Gorn well and found him a worthy companion. Broud and Voord, for your courage, your strength, your endurance, you were selected to show the Great Spirit the bravery of the men of his Clan. He tested you with his great strength and he is pleased. You did well, and you are privileged to bring him the last meal he will share with his Clan until he returns from the Spirit World. May the Spirit of Ursus always walk with us.”
The two young men passed by each of the women standing beside dishes heaped with food and selected the choicest morsels of each, with the exception of the meat. The captive cave bear had never been fed meat, though in the wild, he occasionally indulged when it was easily available. The trays were placed in front of the bear hide mounted on the poles.
Then, the Mog-ur continued: “You drank of his blood, now eat of his body and be one with the Spirit of Ursus.”
The benediction signaled the beginning of the feast. Broud and Voord received the first portions of the bear meat, then proceeded to fill plates for themselves, followed by the rest of the Clan. Delighted sighs and grunts rose as they settled down to enjoy their repast. The meat from the hand-fed, vegetarian bear was tender and rich with marbled fat. Vegetables, fruits, and grains, prepared with meticulous attention, were savored to the fullest, and the appetizer of hunger made everything taste even better. It was a feast worth waiting for.
“Ayla, you’re not eating. You know all the meat must be eaten tonight.”
“I know, Ebra, but I’m just not hungry.”
“Ayla’s nervous,” Uba gestured between mouthfuls. “I’m glad I wasn’t chosen. This is so good, I wouldn’t want to be too nervous to eat it.”
“Eat some meat, anyway. You must do that. Do you have some broth for Durc? He should have a little, it will make him one with the Clan.”
“I gave him some, but he didn’t want much. Oga just fed him. Oga, is Grev still hungry? My breasts are so full, they’re getting sore.”
“I would have waited, but they were both hungry, Ayla. You can feed them tomorrow.”
“I’ll have enough milk for them and two more by then. They won’t want anything tonight, they’ll be sleeping. The datura sedative is all ready. Next time they’re hungry, make them drink that first, so they will sleep. Uba will tell you how much, I have to see Creb right after we eat, and I won’t be back until after the ceremony.”
“Don’t be too long, our dance will start after the men go into the cave. Some of the medicine women are really good at making the rhythms. The women’s dance at Clan Gatherings is always special,” Ebra motioned.
“I haven’t learned to play very well, yet. Iza taught me a little, and the medicine woman from Norg’s clan was showing me, but I haven’t had much practice,” Ayla said.
“You haven’t been a medicine woman very long, and Iza has spent more time teaching you the healing magic than the rhythms, although they’re magic, too,” Ovra gestured. “Medicine women have to know so much.”
“I wish Iza were here,” Ebra motioned. “I’m glad they finally accepted you, Ayla, but I miss Iza. It seems so strange not having her with us.”
“I wish she were here, too,” Ayla said. “I hated leaving her behind. She’s sicker than she likes to let anyone know. I hope