Whispers In The Sea
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The sea was a great, dark thing that stretched out to the horizon. It seemed endless and empty; its surface reflected nothing but itself in an infinite mirror of blackness. There were no stars or moonlight on this night, only darkness as deep as the ocean’s depths. As they sailed into it, the ship rocked gently from side to side with each wave.
They had been at sea for two days now without seeing any sign of land. At first, she thought it would be easy sailing, but the waves grew larger and more frequent as time went by. She wondered if there was something wrong with their compass because every direction they tried brought them back to where they started: the same unchanging expanse of water.
“We’re going around in circles,” said Ayla. “I know we are.” Her voice sounded small even though she spoke loudly enough so everyone could hear her over the creaking of wood and moaning wind.
“No, I don’t think so,” answered Jondalar. He looked at his wife curiously. “What do you mean?” he asked.
She shrugged. “It doesn’t make sense that we should keep sailing in one place when all directions lead us nowhere.”
He nodded. “You may have a point there. But what can we do about it? We’ve got food and supplies for several months yet. If we go ashore somewhere, then maybe the weather will change again and—”
Ayla stopped him before he finished saying anything else. “Jondalar! Look!” She pointed ahead toward the bow with her chin.
They both turned to look. A few minutes later they saw a light—not just one, but many lights. Though they were far away, the brightness made them appear closer than they really were. When they drew nearer, Ayla realized that some of the lights were coming from large boats, while others appeared to be smaller craft.
Some of them moved slowly across the surface of the water, while other ones sped along. They couldn’t tell how fast they might travel, but most of the ships did not seem to be traveling very quickly.
When they came close enough to see details, Ayla noticed that the boats were of different shapes and sizes. Most of them had rounded bottoms like longboats, which meant that people could sit inside rather than ride outside on a platform.
Others resembled rafts, although those were usually flat bottomed and carried cargo or passengers. Many of the vessels also showed evidence of having been repaired or rebuilt after being damaged during storms.
As they approached, the ships began to slow down. Soon, they were drifting alongside each other. People climbed aboard the Zelandonii boat. Then, when the travelers’ own vessel slowed to a stop, the other ships maneuvered themselves so that they were all anchored together.
Although the newcomers didn’t speak the language of the First Men, they understood each other well enough, since they shared a common culture, history, and ancestry. Each group greeted the others warmly, exchanging names and talking excitedly among themselves.
After the introductions, they learned that these strangers were members of the Clan Mother’s tribe, who lived in the area called the Land of the Long Houses. Their leader was named Uba, and he told them that they had come here looking for someone. Ayla knew immediately whom he meant.
“My son is missing,” she said. “He left our camp four days ago. We haven’t seen hide nor hair of him since.”
Uba smiled. “Then you must be the mother of Jondecam,” he said.
“Yes, that’s right,” she replied. “But why are you asking me about my son?”
“Because your young man has gone missing too. And he was last seen in this vicinity. His name is Jondelmar. Is that correct?”
“That’s right,” Ayla confirmed. “So you say Jondalar went missing in this area?”
“And Jondalar went missing near here,” added Jondalar.
“Well, yes, but…”
“How can that be?” Ayla interrupted. “If Jondalar was lost, surely he wouldn’t travel alone. He always traveled with his father and brother. Why would he leave them behind and go off on his own?”
“Perhaps he wanted to find his way home,” suggested Uba.
“Not likely,” said Ayla. “Why would he want to return to a world that doesn’t exist anymore?”
“Maybe he wants to join his friends,” offered Jondalar.
“Friends?” echoed Uba, surprised. “Are you sure he wasn’t kidnapped by some evil spirit? Or perhaps he ran away because he was unhappy living in the Land of the Mammoth Hunters?”
The visitors exchanged glances, wondering if they had somehow offended their hosts.
“No, no, nothing like that,” said Ayla. “My son loves animals more than anyone I know. It’s only natural that he’d want to learn everything he could about them. That’s why he became an acolyte. The First Men consider it a great honor.”
“Is that true?” Uba asked.
“Yes, it’s true,” said Jondalar. “I’m sorry if we’re causing you any trouble. We’ll try to help however we can.”
“We appreciate that,” said Uba. “Now, let me introduce my sister. This is Palla. She is the clan mother of the Land of the Long Houses. You may call her ‘Sister.’ And this is Rydag, who leads the hunters of our people.”
Palla extended her hand to shake hands with Ayla. “Welcome,” she said. “You have found us at a good time. There will soon be another full moon. In fact, it is almost upon us now. Our ceremonies begin tonight.”
“What kind of ceremony do you perform?” asked Jondalar.
“It is the same as yours,” answered Palla. “Only ours is performed in the sacred grove where the Great Earth Mother dwells.”
“Sacred groves?” Jondalar looked puzzled. “Where does she live?”
“In the earth, itself,” explained Palla. “She lives in the center of the land, deep beneath the surface. But we believe that she is everywhere, just as all life is connected. When we gather in the sacred grove, we make offerings to her. Some of the things we bring are food, clothing, and tools made from metal and stone.
These gifts remind Her that we depend on her for our survival and that without her, there would be no one to survive. Other items are made of wood or plants, which are also part of the circle of life. We offer these to show our gratitude for what She gives us.
Sometimes, especially during times of famine, we give up something precious, such as a favorite animal. We hope that She will forgive us and send rain to fill the river so that we might again enjoy its bounty.”
“Do you think she listens?” wondered Jondalar.
“Of course, she hears,” replied Palla. “Just as the sun rises and sets, night follows day. Everything changes, even if slowly. All things grow, change, die, and decay. Even though the seasons pass, the Great Earth Mother remains constant. Every year, when spring comes, she brings new life; every season, she renews herself. If She did not listen to us, how could we ever expect to hear Her voice? Do you see that tree over there?”
They followed her pointing finger toward a large oak that stood close to the edge of the clearing.
“When it blooms, we know that summer is coming. When the leaves turn color, fall begins. As long as the Great Earth Mother endures, we shall endure. Now, come along. Let’s get started.”
Ayla turned to follow the others. Then she stopped suddenly. “Wait! How am I going to explain to Zelandoni that I’m late?”
***
As Ayla walked through the doorway into the cave, she saw someone sitting cross-legged on a sleeping platform. The person rose quickly and bowed low, then hurried out of the entrance. Ayla shook her head, trying to understand what she had seen. What was that woman doing here?
Zelandoni noticed the look of surprise. “Please don’t worry,” she said. “That was only a visitor. She won’t disturb your sleep.”
“Who is she?” Ayla asked.
“Her name is Thonolan’s wife, Taryn. She has been visiting him while he’s gone.”
“Oh!” said Ayla. “Didn’t you tell me he went hunting with his father?”
“He did,” said Zelandoni. “But he’s back already. He came home yesterday morning.”
“And she stayed behind?”
“For a few days, yes. They wanted to spend some time together before the baby is born.”
“So, you didn’t ask her to leave?”
“I told her she should go ahead and stay until after the birth, but she insisted on returning right away.”
“Why?” Ayla was curious. “Doesn’t she need to rest? Doesn’t she want to be near her husband?”
“No, she doesn’t mind resting. She says she wants to be with the child. She thinks it will feel better if they are both nearby. Besides, she hasn’t felt well enough yet to travel far, and she isn’t sure she’ll be able to visit much longer. It seems the pregnancy is taking more toll than usual. She said she feels like an old woman.”
“Well, I’m glad she’s feeling better,” said Ayla. “Maybe she can help take care of the little ones.”
“Yes, she may be very helpful,” agreed Zelandoni. “Now, let’s talk about your dream.”
“The one I had this morning?”
“Yes. You were telling me that you dreamed of a man who spoke to you and that you thought you heard him say ‘Jondalar.'”
“Was that important?”
“Not really, but I’d like to find out why you think he said those words.”
“It must have been because I’ve got a friend named Jondalar,” Ayla said. “His mother is called Jondecam, and she gave me my name.”
“What else do you remember about the dream?”
“There was another man, too. One of them was talking to the other, and they seemed to be arguing. The one speaking to the other was saying something about a fire, and that the other needed to hurry.”
“You mentioned a fire,” said Zelandoni. “Is there anything special about a fire in your dreams?”
“Fire makes people happy. We make fires at celebrations. Sometimes we build a big bonfire for a funeral, or to scare off bad spirits.”
“How many kinds of fires do you know?”
“We have lots of different kinds. Some start from lightning strikes, but most we make ourselves. Fire is used by everyone, everywhere, all the time. People use it to cook food, heat their homes, keep warm, dry clothes, light lamps, and so on. There aren’t any places where people don’t use fire. Everyone needs it.”
“Do you know of anyone who does without it?”
“No. That would be impossible. But I guess sometimes people might forget to put out a campfire, or they may burn themselves. Or maybe they’re afraid of fire, especially if they live alone.”
“Have you ever burned yourself?”
“Once, when I was small. My sister caught a lizard and threw it on the fire. I reached up and grabbed it, but it was burning hot, and I pulled my hand down onto the flames. It hurt, but not badly. It wasn’t serious.”
“Did you cry?”
“Of course. I always cried whenever I got hurt. Even though I knew it wouldn’t kill me, it still made me sad.”
“Did you learn your lesson?”
“I learned that I shouldn’t play with fire.”
“Would you like to see how I make a fire?”
Ayla nodded eagerly. She liked watching people work magic, even if she couldn’t do it herself. She loved the way Zelandoni could weave her fingers through the air as if they were invisible threads, and then suddenly pull them into place to form a complex pattern. She watched mesmerized, fascinated, and delighted at the same time.
“First, we need kindling,” said the medicine woman, pulling a few twigs from a pile beside her chair. “This is dry wood, and it will catch quickly once it gets started. Then, I add some larger pieces of wood, and finally, I bring in some bigger logs. This is going to be a large fire, so I need a lot of fuel.
Now, I’m ready to start. First, I lay the sticks over here, and then I push them under the log. If I’m using branches instead of twigs, I cut them first, but these are pretty straightforward. When I get them arranged just right, I grab hold of the end and twist it around.”
Zelandoni twisted several times until she had what looked like a tightly woven basket. As she worked, she explained: “When I want to start a fire, I usually begin with this kind of structure, which I call a teepee. It keeps the wind away and gives a good base for the building.
Once I have the basic shape, I add layers of smaller sticks and branches and then cover everything with leaves, grass, or whatever I happen to have handy. The next step is lighting the tinder.”
She took a piece of dried moss and laid it across two sticks that had been placed horizontally between the logs. She pushed the ends together firmly and then struck sparks from the flint and steel. The flame spread rapidly, catching the twigs and filling the space.
“That’s easy enough,” Ayla said. “But I didn’t understand why you kept twisting the stick.”
“Twisting helps to seal the edges, making sure the whole thing stays intact. If you leave it loose, the wind could blow it apart before it catches fire.”
“Why did you use a stone? Why not a bone?”
“Stone is stronger than bones, and it can withstand more pressure. Bones break easily, but stones last longer. Stones also give a better spark. Bone is much harder to strike, and doesn’t produce quite the same amount of energy. Stone is easier to handle, and has less chance of breaking. You’ll notice that I never use a sharp edge; it tends to chip and crack.”
“If you don’t have any rocks, what do you use?”
“The best tool is the one you already have. Most women carry a knife, and some men carry knives too. They’re useful tools for cutting meat, skinning animals, or making holes in things. I prefer a flat rock, because it’s more comfortable to hold, and it works well.
I find that a hammerstone is the easiest to control, and it produces a nice spark. But sometimes I use a flint and steel, or fire steel, or even an awl. I’ve heard stories of people who used to make fires by rubbing two sticks together.”
“What happened to those people?”
“They became extinct.”
Ayla laughed. “You mean they died out?”
“Yes. Some people think that all cavemen lived in caves, but there are many different kinds of people living today. We come in all shapes and sizes, and some of us live underground. In fact, most of our ancestors came from another world, and they left their mark behind.
There are some places where you can see evidence of them, but only if you look very closely. For example, if you go back far enough, every animal looks like a bear. That’s because the bears were the first ones to evolve, and they gave rise to other species.
People say that some of the earliest people were called mammoths. Mammoth means ‘earth mother,’ and the word comes from the belief that they were created from the earth itself. So, some people believe that the original humans evolved from the mammoths, and now we’re returning to our roots.
Others say that the first people came from the stars, and others claim that we originated on a planet far beyond the farthest reaches of the universe. All of these theories are possible, and none of them is true. Wherever we came from, however long ago, it was a very important event. Our existence changed everything.”
The End