The shelters of stone - Jean M. Auel [96]
“Do you have many of these firestones?” Willamar asked.
“There were a lot of firestones on that rocky beach,” Jondalar answered. “Before we left the valley for the last time, we gathered as many as we could find. We gave a few away on our Journey, but I tried to save as many as I could for people here. We never found any more of them along the way.”
“That’s too bad,” the Trade Master said. “It would have been nice to share them, perhaps even to trade them.”
“But we can!” Jondalar said. “Ayla found some this morning, in Wood River Valley, just before we went to the meeting. It’s the first time I’ve seen any since we left her valley.”
“You found more? Here? Where?” Willamar asked.
“At the foot of a little waterfall,” Ayla said.
“If there are some in one little place, there may be more close by,” Jondalar added.
“That’s true,” Willamar said. “How many people have you told about these firestones?”
“I haven’t had time to tell anyone, but Zelandoni knows,” Jondalar said. “Folara told her.”
“Who told you?” Marthona asked her.
“Ayla did, or rather I saw her use one,” Folara explained. “Yesterday, when you came home, Willamar.”
“But, she didn’t see it herself?” Willamar asked, a grin starting.
“I don’t think so,” Folara said.
“This is going to be fun. I can’t wait to show her!” Willamar said. “She is going to be so astounded, but she won’t want to show it.”
“It will be fun,” Jondalar said, also grinning. “It’s not easy to surprise that woman.”
“That’s because she knows so much,” Marthona said. “But you’ve already impressed her more than you realize, Ayla.”
“That’s true,” Willamar said. “They both have. Have you two got any more surprises tucked away that you haven’t told us about?”
“Well, I think you’re going to be amazed by the spear-thrower we’re going to demonstrate tomorrow, and you can’t imagine how good Ayla is with a sling,” Jondalar said. “And though it might not mean too much to you, I’ve learned some exciting new flint-knapping techniques. Even Dalanar was impressed.”
“If Dalanar was impressed, I have to be,” Willamar said.
“And then there’s the thread-puller,” Ayla said.
“Thread-puller?” Marthona said.
“Yes, for sewing. I just couldn’t learn how to pull a tiny cord or a sinew thread through a hole that was punched with an awl. Then I had an idea, but the whole Lion Camp helped to make the first one. If you like, I’ll get my sewing kit and show you,” Ayla said.
“Do you think it would help someone whose eyes can’t see the holes as well as they once could?” Marthona asked.
“I think so,” Ayla said. “Let me get it.”
“Why don’t you wait until tomorrow, when there’s more light. It’s not as easy to see in firelight as it is in sunlight,” Marthona said. “But I would like to see it.”
“Well, Jondalar, you have certainly caused some excitement around here,” Willamar said. “Just your return would have been enough, but you brought back much more than yourself. I’ve always said travel opens new possibilities, advances new ideas.”
“I think you’re right, Willamar,” Jondalar said. “But I’ll tell you truthfully, I’m tired of traveling. I’m going to be content to stay home for a long time.”
“You’re going to the Summer Meeting, aren’t you, Jondé?” Folara asked.
“Of course. We’re going to be mated there, little sister,” Jondalar said, putting his arm around Ayla. “Going to the Summer Meeting isn’t really traveling, especially after the Journey we made. Going to the Summer Meeting is part of being home. Which reminds me, Willamar, since Joharran is planning an extra hunt before we go, do you know where we can get disguises? Ayla wants to hunt, too, and we both need them.”
“I’m sure we can find something. I have an extra set of antlers, if we go after red deer. Many