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“Perhaps,” the First said, considering thoughtfully for aelse Not everybody has one, for one thing They are important, but they are not quite as ih it is true that one ain a totem Usually you are chosen by a toten, and n A toterasshopper, but certain animals have a kind of power Their spirits have a force of a certain kind, like a life-force, but it’s different The zelandonia call them power animals, but they have more force in the next world than in this one Sometimes we can draw upon that force for protection e travel in the spirit world, or to cause certain things to happen,” the One Who Was First said

Ayla was frowning with concentration, trying to re “The Mamut did that!” she said “I res happen I think he took a piece of the spirit world and brought it into this one, but he had to fight to control it”

Zelandoni’s expression showed her surprise and admiration “I think I would have liked to know your Mamut,” she said, then she continued “Most people don’t think tooabout n is in opposition to theirs, which is probably why it’s brought upceremonies, Matrimonials, take place That’s why the con The na, but it’s how most people think of it, because they don’t deal with the spirit world, and the only ti to mate”

“No one has asked ns,” Ayla said

“It only hasfor one as born a Zelandonii Those who are born elsewhere ns or power animals, but they don’t affiliate with Zelandonii power animals, as a rule Once a person becon may assert itself, but it will never be one that is in opposition to the mate she already has The power animal of her mate won’t let it”

Marthona, Jerika, and Joplaya were listening just as intently Jerika had not been born Zelandonii, and she was curious about the customs and beliefs of her mate “We are Lanzadonii, not Zelandonii Does that mean if a Lanzadonii wants to ns don’t matter?”

“In ti Dalanar, were born Zelandonii The ties are still close, so they do have to be considered,” the First said

“I was never a Zelandonii, but I am now Lanzadonii So is Joplaya Since Echozar was not born to either one, it doesn’t n fron?” Jerika asked

“Usually a daughter has the san as her mother, but not always I understand that you have requested a Zelandoni to move to your Cave and become your first Lanzadoni I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for someone Whoever it is will be well trained—I plan to ns for all your people,” the donier said

“What is Jondalar’s kinship sign, and how can I get one to give to hter, if I have one?” Ayla asked

“If you want to find out, we can look into it Jondalar’s power anih he has the same mother, Joharran’s is different His is a bison Bison and horses are in opposition,” Zelandoni said

“But Jondalar and Joharran don’t oppose each other They get along well,” Ayla said with a frown

The big wons”

“Oh I guess they’re not likely to mate,” she said, and smiled, too “You said they are power animals Since my totem is the Cave Lion, do you think that would be my power animal? He is powerful, and his spirit has protected me before”

“Things are different in the spirit world,” the First said “Power s Meat-eaters are powerful, but they tend to keep to themselves, either alone or in small packs, and other animals stay away from them When you enter the spirit world, it is usually because you need to learn so out The animal that can reach farther, that has access to, maybe I should say that can communicate with, many other animals, has o there for So animals because of their special qualities”