The Mammoth Hunters - Jean M. Auel [285]
Talut then addressed Ayla. “Ayla of the Mamutoi, daughter of the Mammoth Hearth of the Lion Camp, and protected by the Spirit of the Cave Lion, do you agree to this union with Ranec of the Mamutoi, son of the Fox Hearth of the Lion Camp?”
Ayla closed her eyes and swallowed before she responded. “Yes,” she finally said, in a barely audible voice, “I agree.”
Jondalar, sitting at the back near the wall of the lodge, closed his eyes and clenched his jaw until his temples throbbed. It was his own fault. If he hadn’t forced her, maybe she wouldn’t be turning now to Ranec. But she had already turned to him, she had been sharing his bed. From the first day she was adopted by the Mamutoi, she had shared his bed. No, he had to admit, that wasn’t quite true. After that first night, she didn’t share the carver’s bed at all until after they had that stupid argument, and he left the Mammoth Hearth. Why had they argued? He hadn’t been angry with her, he was just worried about her. Then why had he left the Mammoth Hearth?
Tulie turned to Wymez, who was standing next to Ranec, beside Nezzie. Ayla hadn’t even noticed him. “Do you accept this union between the son of the Fox Hearth and the daughter of the Mammoth Hearth?”
“I accept this union, and welcome it,” Wymez replied.
“And you, Nezzie?” Tulie asked. “Will you accept a union between your son, Ranec, and Ayla, if a suitable Bride Price can be arranged?”
“I accept the union,” the woman replied.
Talut spoke next, to the old man beside Ayla. “Mamutoi Spirit Seeker, he who has relinquished name and hearth, he who was called, he who is dedicated to the Mammoth Hearth, he who speaks to the Great Mother of all, the One Who Serves Mut,” the headman said, carefully reciting all the shaman’s names and appellations, “does the Mamut agree to a union between Ayla, daughter of the Mammoth Hearth, and Ranec, son of the Fox Hearth?”
Mamut did not answer immediately. He looked at Ayla, who was standing with her head bowed. She waited, and when he didn’t speak, she looked at him. He studied her expression, noted her posture, the aura about her.
“The daughter of the Mammoth Hearth may join with the son of the Fox Hearth, if she wishes,” he finally said. “There is nothing to ban such a joining. She does not need my approval or acceptance, or anyone’s. The choice is hers. The choice will always be hers, no matter where she is. If ever she needs permission, I give it to her. But she will always remain the daughter of the Mammoth Hearth.”
Tulie eyed the old man. She felt there was more to his words than there seemed. There was something ambiguous about his response and she wondered what he meant, but she decided she could think about it later.
“Ranec, son of the Fox Hearth, and Ayla, daughter of the Mammoth Hearth, have declared their intention to join together. They wish to form a union to mingle their spirits, and to share one hearth. All those concerned have concurred,” Tulie said, then turned to the carver. “Ranec, if you are joined, will you promise to give Ayla the protection of yourself and your male spirit, will you care for her when she is blessed by the Mother with new life, and will you accept her children as the children of your hearth?”
“Yes, I promise. It is what I want more than anything,” Ranec said.
“Ayla, if you are joined, will you promise to care for Ranec and give him the protection of your mother’s power, will you welcome the Mother’s Gift of Life without reservation, and will you share your children with the man of your hearth?” Tulie said.
Ayla opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out at first. She coughed and cleared her throat, then finally replied, but her answer was almost inaudible. “Yes, I promise.”
“Do all hear and witness this Promise?” Tulie said to the people who were gathered.
“We hear and witness,” the group responded. Then Deegie and Tornec began to beat a slow rhythmic pace on their bone instruments, subtly changing the tone to accompany the voices which started chanting.
“You will be joined at the Summer Matrimonial, so that all the Mamutoi