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As Ayla and Wolfabout Proleva was nagging at the back of her mind It was the way she held herself, the way she moved, the way her loose tunic fit Suddenly it canant! She was sure of it

When Ayla went into Marthona’s dwelling, no one was there It h she wondered where Jondalar’s mother was She wasn’t with Proleva, ht They seemed close, or at least respected each other They were always talking or giving each other knowing looks If she went to look for Marthona there, it would give her a reason to call upon the donier, whom she definitely wanted to know better

Of course, I really don’t have to find Marthona, and Zelandoni is very busy right now Perhaps I shouldn’t bother her, Ayla thought, but she had been feeling at loose ends and wanted soful to do Maybe I could help At least I could offer

Ayla went to the dwelling of Zelandoni and tapped lightly on the panel near the entrance drape The wo nearby She pushed aside the drape within a heartbeat or two

“Ayla,” she said, looking rather surprised to see the young wo I can do for you?”

“I was looking for Marthona She isn’t at hoht have come here,” Ayla said

“No, she’s not here”

“Well, I’m sorry to have bothered you I kno busy you are I shouldn’t have taken up your time,” Ayla said

“It’s perfectly all right,” the donier said, then she noted that the young woer, and so special?”

“No, I was just looking for her I thought she ”

“If you are looking for so to do, perhaps you can helpthe drape open while she stepped back Ayla’s big, pleased smile made the older woman realize that was the real reason she had come

“Is it all right for Wolf to co”

“I knoon’t I told you we understood each other,” the donier said, holding back the drape to allow the animal in after Ayla “The red ochre you collected for round into powder There’s theher a red-stained stone with a saucerlike depression for Jonokol will be here soon and will need it to assista post with Shevonar’s abelan He is my acolyte”

“Ifeast, but he said he was an artist,” Ayla said

“Jonokol is an artist He is also h He has no interest in healing, or even finding his way to the spirit world He see yet Time will tell He may yet feel the call In the meantime, he is a fine artist, and he makes an excellent assistant,” Zelandoni said, then added, “Most artists are also zelandonia Jonokol has been since he was very young, when he first showed talent”