The Land of Painted Caves - Jean M. Auel [98]
She gave one to the canine, which he carried in his mouth until he found a comfortable place to settle down and gnaw on it, near the place where his people ate. Ayla wrapped the other one that had more meat on it in some large leaves that had lined a platter to make a nice presentation, to carry back to the camp for later. She tucked the bone into the small one-sided haversack that she used to carry things, especially things for Jonayla like a hard rawhide scrap that the baby liked to chew on, a hat and a small extra blanket, and some soft absorbent material like mouflon wool that she stuffed around the baby. She also carried her tinder kit for starting fires in a pouch tied to her waist, and her personal dishes and eating knife. They found some logs with pads on them nearby, obviously dragged there for seating.
“I wonder if any of mother’s wine is left,” Jondalar remarked.
“Let’s go see,” Jondecam said.
There was not even a drop, but Laramar had noticed them, and hurried over with a freshly opened waterbag of barma. He filled the personal cups of both the men, but both Ayla and Levela said they didn’t want much, and would just take a sip from the men’s drinks. Ayla didn’t want to make pleasant talk with the man for too long. After a few minutes, they went back to the logs with pads on them that were near the food. When they finished, they strolled back to Proleva’s shelter at the camp of the Third Cave.
“There you are. You’re back early,” Proleva said, after they brushed each other’s cheeks in greeting. “Did you see Joharran?”
“No,” Levela said. “We only listened to one story, then got some food. It was a story about Ayla, sort of.”
“Actually, it was about Wolf. It was a story about a boy who turned into a wolf that loved a woman,” Jondalar said. “Wolf came and found Ayla right in the middle of it, which pleased Galliadal and the three young people of his hearth, who were helping him tell the story.”
“Jonayla is still sleeping. Would you like a nice cup of hot tea?” Proleva said.
“I don’t think so. We’re going back to our camp,” Ayla said.
“You’re not going back, too?” Velima said to Levela. “We’ve hardly had any time to visit. I want to know about your pregnancy and how you are feeling.”
“Why don’t you stay here tonight,” Proleva said. “There’s room for all four of you. And Jaradal would love to see Wolf when he wakes up.”
Levela and Jondecam quickly agreed. The camp of the Second Cave was nearby, and the idea of spending some time with her mother and her sister was appealing to Levela, and Jondecam didn’t mind.
Ayla and Jondalar looked at each other. “I really should check on the horses,” Ayla said. “We left early and I don’t know of anyone who stayed at camp today. I just want to know they are all right, especially Gray. She can be a tempting treat for some four-legged hunter, though I know Whinney and Racer will protect her. I would just feel better going back.”
“I understand. She’s a little like your baby, too,” Proleva said.
Ayla nodded and smiled in agreement, “And where is my baby?”
“She’s over there, sleeping with Sethona. It’s a shame to disturb her—are you sure you won’t stay?”
“We’d like to, but one of the problems with having horses as friends is that you feel responsible for them, especially if you keep them in an enclosure that is not closed to four-legged hunters,” Jondalar said. “Ayla is right. We need to check on them.”
Ayla had wrapped her child in her carrying blanket and was hoisting the baby onto her hip. She woke briefly, but then settled down next to her mother’s warmth and went back to sleep. “I really appreciate your watching her, Proleva. The storytelling was interesting, and