page87 (1/2)

Although the cliffs were also riddled with caves, which was common for limestone, these unusual shelflike forood living sites and had been used as such for a great many thousands of years

Jondalar led Ayla toward the older woman she had seen fronified in her bearing as she waited patiently for theht broas pulled back fro braid, which was coiled at the back of her head Her clear direct appraising eyes were also gray

When they reached her, Jondalar began the formal introduction “Ayla, this is Marthona, former L

eader of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii; Daughter of Jemara; born to the hearth of Rabanar; mated to Willamar, Trade Master of the Ninth Cave; Mother of Joharran, Leader of the Ninth Cave; Mother of Folara, Blessed of Doni; Mother of …” He started to say “Thonolan,” hesitated, then quickly filled in, “Jondalar, Returned Traveler” Then he turned to his mother

“Marthona, this is Ayla of the Lion Cahter of the Mammoth Hearth, Chosen by the Spirit of the Cave Lion, Protected by the Spirit of the Cave Bear”

Marthona held out her two hands “In the name of Doni, the Great Earth Mother, I welcome you, Ayla of the Mamutoi”

“In the nareet you, Marthona of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, and Mother of Jondalar,” Ayla said, as they joined hands

Marthona heard Ayla’s words, wondered at her strange speech ht it was either a minor speech defect or the accent of a coe fro way, Ayla, left all you knew and loved behind If you had not, I don’t think I would have Jondalar back horateful to you for that I hope you will soon feel at home here, and I will do all I can to help you”

Ayla knew Jondalar’s enuine; she was glad to have her son back Ayla was relieved and touched by Marthona’s welco you since Jondalar first spoke of you … but I have been a little afraid, too,” she replied with a similar directness and honesty

“I don’t blame you I would have found it very difficult in your place Cos Youcelebration tonight,” Marthona said, starting to lead the Suddenly Wolf started whining, yelped a little “puppy bark,” and stretched his front paws out with his back end and tail up in a playful posture

Jondalar was startled “What is he doing?”

Ayla looked at Wolf, rather surprised as well The aniestures, and suddenly she set Marthona’s attention,” she said “He thinks she didn’t notice him, and I think he wants to be introduced”

“And I want to meet him, too,” Marthona said

“You don’t fear him!” Ayla said “And he knows it!”

“I watched I didn’t see anything to fear,” she said, extending her hand toward the wolf He sniffed her hand, licked it, and whined again

“I think Wolf wants you to touch him; he does love attention from people he likes,” Ayla said

“You do like that, don’t you?” the older woman said as she stroked him “Wolf? Is that what you called him?”

“Yes It’s just the Maht name for him,” Ayla explained