The clan of the cave bear_ a novel - Jean M. Auel [272]
“Mama go hunting? Durc go hunting with Mama?” the boy asked, jumping out of bed and heading for the mouth of the cave. Only a few people were stirring, but Durc was wide awake.
“Not until after breakfast, anyway, Durc. Come back here,” Ayla motioned and got up to get him. “Probably not at all today. Spring is here, but it’s not that warm yet.”
After he ate, Durc spied Grev and forgot about hunting as he raced to Broud’s hearth. Ayla watched him go, with a feeling of tenderness turning up the corners of her mouth. The smile faded when she saw the way Broud looked at him. It made her scalp crawl. Both boys ran out together. Suddenly a feeling of claustrophobia overwhelmed her with such force, she thought she would vomit if she didn’t get outside the cave. She bolted for the opening, feeling her heart beating rapidly, and took several deep breaths.
“Ayla!”
She jumped at the sound of her name spoken by Broud, then turned around, bowed her head, and looked down at the new leader.
“This woman would greet the leader,” she gestured formally. Broud seldom stood face to face with her. She was much taller than the tallest man in the clan, and Broud was not among the tallest. He barely reached her shoulder. She knew he didn’t like looking up at her.
“Don’t go running off anywhere. I’m going to have a meeting out here soon.”
Ayla nodded obediently.
The clan slowly congregated. The sun was shining, and they were glad Broud had decided to have his meeting outdoors in spite of the soggy ground. They waited for a while, then Broud strutted to the place formerly taken by Brun, supremely conscious of his new status.
“As you know, I am your new leader,” Broud started. His nervousness at speaking to the entire clan in his new capacity was betrayed by an opening statement that was patently obvious.
“Since the clan has a new leader and a new mog-ur, this is a good time to announce some other changes,” he continued. “I want to make it known that Vorn is now my second-in-command.”
There were nods; it was expected. Brun thought Broud should have waited until Vorn was older before raising his position above more experienced hunters, but everyone knew it was coming. It’s probably just as well to do it now, he said to himself.
“There are some other changes,” Broud motioned. “A woman in this clan is not mated.” Ayla felt herself flush. “Someone must provide for her, and I do not want to burden my hunters with her. I am leader now and I must be responsible for her. I will take Ayla as second woman to my hearth.”
Ayla had expected it, but it didn’t make her any happier to know she was right. She may not like it, Brun thought, but Broud is doing the right thing. Brun looked proudly at the son of his mate. Broud is ready for leadership.
“She has one deformed child,” Broud went on. “I want it known now, no more deformed children will be accepted into this clan. I don’t want anyone to think it has anything to do with my personal feelings, when the next one is refused. If she has a normal child, I will accept it.”
Creb was standing near the entrance to the cave and shook his head as he watched Ayla blanch and bow her head lower to hide her face. Well, you can be sure I won’t have any more children, Broud, not if Iza’s magic works for me, she thought. I don’t care if babies are started by men’s totems or their organs, you won’t start any more in me. I’m not going to give birth to babies that have to die because you think they’re deformed.
“I’ve made it plain before,” Broud went on, “so this shouldn’t come as any surprise. I will not have any deformed children living at my hearth.”
Ayla’s head