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Joharran thrust the pick end of thea second hole, ss and threw the tools would be returned to the special place they were kept, but the diggers were careful not to let any part of the tools touch any part of their own naked bodies, except for their ochre-reddened hands

They went directly to a special small cave near the valley floor in the cave-pocked limestone cliffs A carved post with the Zelandonii abelan and other round in front of it They went in, replaced the burial digging tools, and quickly left, grasping the post with both hands andfor the protection of the Mother as they went Then they followed a snaking path to another cave in the highland, the one used pri men and boys

The six Zelandonia of the Caves that took part in the tragic hunt aiting for the with several acolytes They had water, heated almost to the boil with hot rocks, and several varieties of saponin-producing plants, generally referred to as soaproots The foamy lather turned red from the ochre powder used to protect their hands and feet Hot water, ales into a s in the earth The ablution was perfor sure no trace of red reernails with small pointed sticks Then they washed a third tiain, until each Zelandoni was satisfied

Then each ht baskets of ater andhis hair Only when they were finally declared purified, and were allowed to don their own clothing, did they breathe easier The One Who Was First gave each of the them to first rinse out their mouths, spit it out in a special hole, then drink the rest They rinsed and sed hurriedly and left quickly, relieved that this part was over None of theic

Jondalar and the othersoftly, still conscious of their close contact with the world of the spirits

“Ayla was here looking for you, Jondalar,” Proleva said “She left, then came back with some delicious tea We talked a little, but then several people came to talk about the burial feast She offered to help, but I told her next time I’o I have to go, too There’s so room”

“Did Ayla say where she was going?” Jondalar asked

“To your mother’s”

“Thank you I’ll go see what she wanted”

“Have a bite to eat first That was hard work,” Proleva said

He ate quickly, washed it doith some tea, then started out “Let me knohen the zelandonia are ready, Joharran,” Jondalar said as he left

Everyone was sitting around the low table, drinking Marthona’s wine, when he went into his

“Get your cup, Jondalar,” she said “I’ll pour you some This has been a difficult day, and it’s not over yet I thought we should all try to relax a little”

“You look all scrubbed and clean, Jondalar,” Ayla said

“Yes, and alad that’s over I want to do round,” Jondalar said, and felt a shudder