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“During the Clan Gathering,” Ayla continued, “theUrsus to the World of the Spirits to speak for the Clan and carry their es The three men who have won the most competitions are chosen—it takes at least that rown cave bear to the next world While it is an honor to be chosen, it is very dangerous Often the cave bear takes one or more of the men with him to the Spirit World”
“So they communicate with the world of the spirits,” said Zelandoni of the Eleventh
“And they bury their dead with red ochre,” Jondalar said, knowing his words carried a deepto the man
“This information will take some time to coreat deal of consideration It will es”
“You’re right, of course, Kareja,” said the First A Those Who Served
“Right noe don’t need lancing back toward the eastern end of the terrace Everyone turned and looked in the sa with platters and containers of food
The people at the roups to eat Manvelar sat beside Ayla, opposite Jondalar, with his dish of food He had ht before, but with the throng surrounding the newcoet better acquainted His Cave was nearby, and he knew he’d have time later “You’ve had several invitations, but let me add another,” he said “You must come and visit Two Rivers Rock; the Third Cave of the Zelandonii are close neighbors”
“If the Fourteenth Cave are known as the best fishers, and the Eleventh Cave forrafts, what is the Third Cave known for?” Ayla asked
Jondalar answered for hi”
“Doesn’t everyone hunt?” she asked
“Of course, that’s why they don’t brag about it, just because everyone hunts Some individual hunters from other Caves like to talk about their own prowess, and they roup, the Third Cave are the best hunters”
Manvelar s about it, in our oay, but I think the reason we have becoh above the confluence of two rivers, ide grassy valleys This one,” he said, waving a hand that held a meaty bone toward The River, “and another
called Grass River Most of the aniot the best place from which to watch for thee when certain ones will likely appear and we usually let everyone else know, but we are often the first ones to hunt them”
“That may be true, Manvelar, but all the hunters of the Third Cave are good, not just one or two They work hard to perfect their skill All of them,” Jondalar said “Ayla understands that She loves to hunt, she is a, but wait until we show you the new spear-throe developed It throws a spear so much farther and faster, you won’t believe it Ayla is more accurate, and I can throw a little farther, but anyone can hit an animal from twice or even three times as far as you can with a spear thrown by hand”
“I would like to see that!” Manvelar said “Joharran wants to arrange a hunt soon to add provisions for the Suood ti to Ayla, he added, “Both of you are joining the hunt, aren’t you?”