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Sorandh it was never hter to whoave birth was a child of mixed spirits No one really wanted to take her after her mother died, and Brukeval suffered the sa, but he was h she would never admit to it aloud, especially not to him

Was it possible that Ayla would be prone to attracting their spirits since she was raised by them? Could this one be ht be to quietly end its life before it began It would be easy enough, and no one would knoasn’t stillborn It would probably save everyone heartache, even the baby It would be a shame to have another child in the Cave as unwanted and unloved, like Brukeval and his mother

But, the donier thought, if Ayla loved her first child, wouldn’t she love this one, too? It’s aenuinely likes him, and he’s very comfortable around her Maybe it would work out, it would depend on Jondalar

“Jondalar toldinto the dwelling “He took pains to say that it was just beginning and I shouldn’t hurry, but he aler for me to come”

“It’s just as well that you did, Marthona I’d like tofor her,” Zelandoni said

“To hasten delivery?” Marthona asked “First ones can be so long in co” She smiled at Ayla,

“No,” Zelandoni said, pausing thoughtfully before she continued “Just so quite well, faster than I thought she would, but she’s very tense, apprehensive about this birth, I believe”

Ayla noticed that the healer did not correct Marthona’s assu, she had sensed that Zelandoni knew s, many secrets that she kept to herself Maybe it would still be best if she kept the knowledge of her son to herself, except for Zelandoni She could talk to her about him

There was a tap at the entrance, but Proleva ca “Jondalar said Ayla was in labor Can I be of help?” she said She was supporting a young infant on her back with a carrying blanket

“Yes, you can,” Zelandoni said She had assu, and Ayla was grateful that she did As she felt another pain co she wanted to think about ho should be there The healer noticed Ayla tensing up, beginning to fight the pain It was obvious that she didn’t want to cry out, either “You can sit with Ayla while Marthona gets soet some special medicine”

Zelandoni quickly left She could move quite fast, in spite of her size, when she was so inclined Folara was just approaching as the woman let the drape fall behind her

“Can I go in, Zelandoni? I’d like to help, if I can,” she said

The donier paused only a o ahead You can help Proleva try to keep her calm,” she said, and hurried on

When she returned, Ayla was thrashing around rather wildly, in the throes of another contraction, but she was still not crying out Marthona and Proleva were on either side of her, holding a hand, looking worried Folara was adding another hot stone to the water that had been heated, to keep it hot Her expression matched herthe healer

She hurried to the young wo just fine, you just need to relax a little I’et more comfortable,” Zelandoni said