The Land of Painted Caves - Jean M. Auel [350]
“And here’s the wolf,” he said, feeling just a touch of apprehension when Wolf sniffed him. The Lanzadonii were not as familiar with the animal, and though he did remember him, it took a while to get used to the idea of a wolf mingling freely with people. “I heard he was here; that’s how I knew you had arrived. I was afraid we wouldn’t see you after making the trip all the way here. Some of us were even considering going to the Ninth Cave to see you before we left. Your Mamutoi kin and their S’Armunai friend are definitely planning to go, and some of the Lanzadonii were thinking of going along,” Echozar said.
Ayla thought he seemed much more confident and relaxed, and was sure Dalanar was right about how helpful it had been for Echozar to be accepted so easily by Danug and Druwez and—what was his name—Aldanor? She was sure Jondalar had welcomed him, too, along with their kin and and several close friends. Jondalar would be very good about making Echozar feel welcome … but he hadn’t said one single welcoming word to her. The only time she had seen him since she arrived was in the small woods, standing naked with Marona. Ayla had to look away to fight back the sudden tightness in her throat and sting of impending tears, feelings that seemed to come upon her at the most unexpected moments, lately. She said she had something in her eye.
“Just because I’ve come to the Summer Meeting doesn’t mean you can’t come to visit the Ninth Cave,” Ayla said after a moment. “It’s not very far from here, and since you are so close, you might as well. I think Dalanar and Joplaya would be interested in the way Jondalar has set up the training for his flint-knapping apprentices. He has six of them now,” Ayla said, sounding almost normal. After all, she could hardly help talking about Jondalar to Dalanar and Joplaya. “And I’d love to see a little more of Bokovan, and of course, all the rest of you.”
“I think that little one has charmed Ayla completely,” Dalanar said. Everyone smiled benignly.
“He is going to be a big man,” Echozar said. “And I want to teach him to be a good hunter.”
Ayla grinned at him. For a moment, she could imagine that Echozar was a man of the Clan, proud of the son of his hearth. “He may turn out to be more than just a big man, Echozar. I think he’s a very special child.”
“Where is Jondalar?” Echozar asked. “Wasn’t he supposed to come and share a meal with us tonight?”
“I saw him when he was taking Jonayla out with the horses after midday. He said he couldn’t make it,” Dalanar said, sounding disappointed.
“I was going to take Jonayla out, but the zelandonia meeting took longer than I expected,” Ayla said. Everyone glanced up at her forehead.
“Did he say why he couldn’t come?” Echozar asked.
“I don’t know, something about other plans, and promises he made before Ayla came.”
Ayla felt her stomach knot. I can imagine what promises he made, she thought.
It was nearly dark by the time Ayla insisted she had to go. Echozar walked back with her and Jonayla and Wolf, carrying a torch.
“You look happy, Echozar,” Ayla said.
“I am happy, although I still find it hard to believe Joplaya is my mate. Sometimes I wake up at night and just look at her in the firelight. She is so beautiful, and she’s wonderful. Kind and understanding. I feel so lucky, I sometimes wonder how I could deserve her.”
“She’s lucky, too, you know. I wish we lived closer.”
“So you could see more of Bokovan?” he said. She saw his teeth gleaming with a smile.
“It’s true, I would like to see more of Bokovan, and you and Joplaya, and everyone else,” Ayla said.
“Have you considered coming back with us and staying over winter?” Echozar asked. “You know, Dalanar says you and Jondalar