The Land of Painted Caves - Jean M. Auel [58]
They all headed for the main encampment not long after, separating to go to their individual destinations when they reached the site. Ayla and Proleva, with their two babies, Folara, Jondalar, and the wolf, all went to the large zelandonia dwelling first. The donier of the Twenty-sixth Cave was already there waiting outside, and an acolyte Ayla had not seen for some time.
“Jonokol!” she said, rushing toward the man who had been the First’s acolyte before her, and was considered one of the finest artists of the Zelandonii. “When did you arrive? Have you seen Zelandoni, yet?” she asked after they had embraced and touched cheeks.
“We got here just before dark last night,” he said. “The Nineteenth Cave got off to a late start, and then the rain slowed us down. And yes, I have seen the First Among Those Who Serve The Mother. She’s looking wonderful.”
The other members of the Ninth Cave warmly greeted the man who had been, until recently, a valued member of their Cave and a good friend. Even Wolf sniffed him in recognition and was given a scratch behind the ears in return.
“Are you Zelandoni, yet?” Proleva asked.
“If I pass the testing, I may be at this Summer Meeting. Zelandoni of the Nineteenth is not well. She didn’t come this year; she just couldn’t walk so far.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Ayla said. “I was looking forward to seeing her.”
“She has been a good teacher and I’ve been performing many of her tasks. Tormaden and the Cave would like me to take on the rest of the functions as soon as possible, and I think our Zelandoni wouldn’t mind either,” Jonokol said, then looking at the bundles Ayla and Proleva had in their carrying blankets, he added, “I see you have your little ones. I heard you both had girls, the Blessed of Doni. I am happy for you. May I see them?”
“Of course,” Proleva said, taking her infant out of her carrying blanket and holding her up. “Her name is Sethona.”
“And here is Jonayla,” Ayla said, holding up her child as well.
“They were born within a few days of each other, and they are going to be great friends,” Folara said. “I’m taking care of them today, and Wolf is going to help me.”
“You are?” Jonokol said; then he looked at Ayla. “I understand we’re going to visit a new sacred cave this morning.”
“Are you coming with us, too? How wonderful,” Ayla said; then she looked at the Zelandoni of the Twenty-sixth Cave. “Do you have any idea how long it will take? I would like to be back by afternoon.”
“We should be back sometime in the afternoon,” he said. He had been observing the reunion of the artist acolyte and his former Cave and their interactions. He had wondered how Ayla was going to handle visiting a difficult cave with a young baby and quickly understood that she had made arrangements for the care of her infant, which was wise. He wasn’t the only one who wondered how a young mother was going to take on the full duties of a Zelandoni. Apparently with the help of family and friends in the Ninth Cave. There was a reason that few in the zelandonia chose to mate and have a family. In a couple of years, when the child was weaned, it would be easier for her … unless she were Blessed again. It would be interesting to watch the development of this young, and attractive, acolyte, he thought.
Saying she would be back soon, Ayla left with the others from the Ninth Cave to go with Proleva to her meeting. The Zelandoni of the Twenty-sixth Cave sauntered after them. She tried to nurse Jonayla, but the child was satisfied, and smiled at her mother while the milk dribbled out of the corner of her mouth; then she struggled to sit up. Ayla handed the baby over to Folara, and then stood in front of the wolf and tapped herself just under her shoulders. The animal jumped up, putting his large paws where she had tapped, as she braced herself to support his weight.
The demonstration that followed made people who hadn’t seen it before stare in shocked disbelief. Ayla lifted her chin and exposed herself to the huge wolf. With great gentleness he licked her neck,