Chapter 15: The Tribal Council

“Discernment is the key,” Yahnna argued the intricate point to the council members, “the greatest gift that Ayah has given us is that we have great minds that enable us to learn, to discern, to grow and to change if need be.  We are not lowly creatures governed solely by instinct.  You wish to cast Atal and Lant aside because they don't fit preconceived notions... notions that suited the past, but no longer suit today.   That Atal and Lant are both male and female renders the situation different than identical conjoined twins who have been declared abominations.  Our people have been gifted with Atal and Lant, who are male and female together, in much the same way that Ayah is male and female, and take into consideration as well, the extraordinary circumstances of their birth."

It was a smart move on Yahnnas part, a good closing argument.  Atahr had also come before the Council to give his testimony as to why he placed the mark of Ayah on the conjoined foreheads of Atal and Lant.   Yahnna could tell that many of  the Council had been swayed.

Yahnna smiled at the sleeping infants.  The full moon had passed before the Tribal Council convened to discuss the fate of the twins.  Yahnna insisted that Jayah and  the babies also be in attendance, for despite their odd appearance, they were endearing and highly intelligent as can be seen from the light in their eyes and already quick to smile whenever Jayah cooed and made simple signs for them.  By now their eyes were clearly  two different shades, one amber brown while the other greenish blue.   They were happy babies, oblivious to the dangerous scrutiny surrounding them.  Yahnna hoped that this would soften their resolve, not to mention the strong presence of Jayah herself.


On examining Atal and Lant, the tribal council was most disturbed by their head-- it was wider and rounder than a normal babies head, their conjoined forehead moving straight up from the brow, a drastic difference compared to the gradual backward slope of a normal brow and forehead --a trait highly valued among the people, so much so, that higher status was often accorded to those who sported a forehead with a steeper inclination.  A point made that was hard to refute, was that bigger, rounder heads made child birth exceedingly difficult, and as it was, too many women died in child birth.

Yahanna's rebuttal was exceptional, "Jayah survived and look at how well she's doing," Yahnna turned, motioning to her young acolyte and leader of the Salmon Clan who was at the time nursing Atal and Lant.  "An entire moon has passed, and Jayah has healed well with no infection", Yahnna hesitated momentarily to give her arms a rest before continuing, "and this has everything to do with the fact that Ayah has gifted us with new knowledge-- new techniques to close wounds and herbs that numb pain and prevent infection.  Obviously, Ayah has provided a means for those with bigger heads to be born without killing the mother. "

After the Tribal Council heard all testimony, it took yet another moon before their decision was announced.  They chose the middle of the road: they needed more time to determine Ayah's will... more time to see if Atal and Lant would progress according to their standard.  They did however wholly agree that the bolt of lightning striking their sacred pine, an event that saved the life of Jayah and her babies while simultaneously killing so many of their enemy, was an extraordinary event that could be none other than the deciding hand of Ayah.

By not coming to an outright decision, they appeased those who held to traditional values, and at the same time, the more liberal thinkers had reason to hope.   The twins were given a period of three years to prove their worth, and if they failed to meet the standards set, it would be taken as a sign that Atal and Lant had served their purpose in the earthly realm and so would be returned to Ayah and the celestial realm.

There were so many other contributing factors that helped form the Tribal Council's decision for the twins to be given a second chance. For one thing, Yahnna was an important figure-- the present Elder Leader of the Dykelander Tribe, revered  Shaman and Chief Healer among their People.   She was to be reckoned with and it was obvious that she would not be dissuaded.  As well, Jayah was held in high esteem among the people-- leader of the Salmon Clan, and given her apprenticeship position, she would continue to excel as Healer and Shaman, acolyte to Yahnna.    More than anything however, was that Jayah was bestowed with  an extra sense that was rare, she had the gift of visions that enabled premonitions into the future.  The Tribal Council also knew full well that Jayah did not always follow Ayah's golden rules, and they were sure that she would decidedly leave, and taking many with her.  They could not afford such a risk that would see their already declining numbers further divided.

Yahnna kept some of her disconcerting thoughts to herself.  Over the many winters of her existence, she had seen a great change within the heart of her people… they had lost direction and hope. She watched as her people became less tolerant to their differences both physical or intellectual.  Yahnna knew that the people had become fearful and weary of change and she felt in her heart, that  birth of Atal and Lant was a final test from Ayah, one that would either make or break the Dykelander People. 

Chapter 14: The Rescue

The tide rose, making an island of Ursus Minorica, and as the sun set, the North wind had gained in force scattering the billowing black clouds into harmless fragments against a blood red sky .

Still, it would be a while yet before waves tipped with frothy white flattened so that rescue would be possible.    It was safest to remain, waiting until the tide peaked, and when the sea was usually at its calmest. Luckily, the next high tide was due to occur at night, enable rescuers to approach under the cloak of darkness.  It was the only window of time, for it was quite certain that the Bahr-Bahr would return in great numbers when the tide lowered and Ursa Minorica was accessible to them once again.

Although Jayah was as ancious as everyone else, she was also thankful for the wait-- much needed time  to regain a bit of strength.  During the wait, Jayah summoned up the courage to inspect her new born twins more closely.  And it was as Yahnna described, both male and female parts that bore the final irrefutable evidence that she had given birth to near perfectly conjoined fraternal twins.

Twins were rare, and conjoined twins rarer yet.  Most twins never made it to full term, but when times were good and if the storage of food lasted throughout the entire winter, twin's were more likely be brought to term and survive. So twins were a good omen and considered sacred by the Dykelander people.  Although there were no conjoined twins presently among them until the birth of Atal and Lant, there were stories --most dying at birth along with their mother, and for that reason, conjoined twins were regarded as a bad omen.   Jayah knew that this would pose to be one of their greatest hurdles when time came for Atal and Lant to be brought before the Tribal Council.

The historical accounts involving conjoined twins concerned only identical twins, and so Jayah took consolation with the fact that her babies are male and female,  like Ayah... and so surely this counts in favour for my babies.

There was other evidence that Jayah detected: a subtle difference between the shade of colour in one eye to that of the other; the hairline at the forehead didn't run straight across as is the norm, but spiked downward in the middle, the peak of which touched the very the tip of the starr tattoo; there was a third nipple, and at the base of the neck were two tiny projections ... the tip of two fingers.

The rescue was to occur according to directions that Yahnna had given to the scouts she had sent ahead to Ursa Majorica, and in turn relay her instructions to the other clans already gathered there.
The rescue part were to come at high tide by coracle -- traditional circular boats made of tightly woven reed lined with cured fish hide. She had the presence of mind to see down the road, and knew that it would be the only way, and with that in place, success then depended on the weather.

Night fell and the tide reached its peak, and as all had hoped, the north wind dissipated, and the sea became flat.  The risen tide washed into the cave so that it's entire floor became flooded with deep calm water and so enabling the rescuers to paddle through the lower entrance and to the vast interior. From there, the clan members above, having plenty of rope between them, were then lowered through the caves upper entrance and into the welcome arms of their rescuers.

It was a magnificent rescue, a day recollected over by generations upon generations of story tellers.

Chapter 13: Order Of The Day

“Yahnna, tell me the truth… what's wrong with my baby?!”

Jayah verged on panic and Yahnnah could see that the time for truth had come.  Taking a deep breath, she could only hope that her body conveyed peace and calm.

“Nothing is wrong with your baby, but there is something you need to know.  Your baby is a special gift from Ayah, however this will be questioned by some... and so the issue will go before the Tribal Council."  Yahnnah took the time to choose from her vast repertoire of signs, ones that would convey everything with grace and yet straight to the point.

Jayah tried to understand as best as she could.   Yahnnah had been crystal clear, but Jayah was still so weak from having just fought so hard, that the thoughts of yet another battle was overwhelming.  As promising as Yahnnah conveyed the truth, Jayah couldn't help but feel a deep sense of loss.

When Atahr returned he found Jayah weeping in Yahnnah's arms.  As Yahnnah took leave, he took up the position, embracing Jayah with one arm and tilting his body so that she could lean against him. In his other arm was their swaddled newborn.  Jayah looked at Atahr who beamed with such obvious pride. She saw the love… it was the same look he had when holding Zahr for the first time.  Jayah felt that it was not possible to love her mate any more than at that moment, and she  knew that Atar would never let harm come to any of his children.

Slowly, Jayah's eyes moved from Atahr, seeking for the now squirming bundle cradled in his arm. Atahr watched as his mate gently pushed the soft swaddling aside and the smile that came upon her face was like sunshine.  They held one another, smiling and weeping with joy ... and uncertainty.

“Do, you see Jayah,” Atahr signed, gently reassuring his mate, “ they are full of life like their mother and strong like their father …  like land and water, and so the little girls name is Atal (Water), and the little boys name is Lant (Land).  Within the small circle of love surrounding the newborn twins, Jayah regained strength and beamed with the same pride, Atal and Lant are truly gifts from Ayah, special like Zahr and any member of their Tribe... they too are simply meant to be.

As the babies slept peacefully, unaware of the dilemma brought about by their birth, Jayah placed a gentle hand to their rounded brow.  In so many ways they appeared as a normal baby, though there were differences. The forehead didn't slant gracefully back above the brow in the usual manner of babies born to their Tribe, instead it moved straight up from the brow, and even though it was for the most part flat, Jayah could make out the soft indentation that ran from between the brow and continued upward in a perfect separation line.  Jayah ran her finger along the odd indentation that started again just below the perfectly formed little nose, a subtle dip that stopped at the perfectly formed little mouth only to pick up again in a more pronounced cleavage at the tip of the chin.  She didn't look any further than their conjoined little faces, she was not yet ready for the more obvious evidence.

Jayah allowed her finger to trace around the tattoo Atahr had placed on their forehead.  It was neither of the usual cross shapes --an 'x' on the forehead of a baby girl or a  '+'  on the forehead of a baby boy.  Instead, both crosses were present, one placed directly atop the other, and so taking on the form of a perfect asterisk '⁕'.

In the customary ways of the Dykelander peoples, Atahr proclaimed his fatherhood, and had made the tattoo on their forehead, breaking away from custom in the sense that he had applied both symbols, after all, the babies were not one or the other, but both male and female-- near perfectly conjoined fraternal twins.

The ⁕ was a sacred symbol of the Dykelander's, one used to represent the "male +" and "female x" attributes of their deity Ayah.  Even the sign for "Ayah" was made up of two words: Ay (male) and Ah (female).  And there was even a star in the sky that represented Ayah as well, a special star that changed its position in the sky every 5 winters, moving from morning star (Ay) to evening star (Ah). In similar fashion, the Dykelander's changed their Leadership every 5 winters: during the time of the morning star, men were the Leaders, and during the time of the evening star, women took on the Leadership roles.

The ⁕ had another highly valued purpose: a geometric pattern used in the construction of their circular homes and coracle boats.  So indeed, Atahr's forthright decision will be met with resistance, but his place was beside Jayah and protecting their family first and foremost.  It was without question that he had applied controversial measures, but they were strategic order of the day measures.

Many grey areas riddle the religious belief of the Dykelanders, leaving some to believe that their people are continually in the process of "becoming" the perfect image of Ayah.  And then others believe that their people are already in the perfect image of Ayah, and it's this group that resist change and hold onto superstitions... and this was the group that Yahnnah, Jayah and Atahr would need to concern themselves with when the day came for the controversial birth to be brought before the Tribal Council.

Chapter 12: Ayah's Gift

Atahr arrived at the edge of the woods, and perched himself atop the scattering of fallen trees lining the beach.  Gasping for breath and doubled over with cramps, his eyes had not once left the wide blazing trail that now stretched along the swath of beach before him.  He could see the evidence-- the spattering of blood intermingled with broad foot prints left by Bahr-Bahr hunters in pursuit of his beloved Jayah.  It was enough to fire his adrenaline and provide a second wind.

The Bahr-Bahr hunters that had been stationed to guard the west side of the cliff had taken it upon themselves to leave the moment they became aware that the winds had change and dark clouds were now precariously close.  Although their sign languages were entirely different, the Bahr-Bahr and Dykelander's had similar beliefs-- a set of strict rules proclaimed by their deity, many of which consisted of instructions on where to be ... and not be, during certain times.  It was more than clear that all were to avoid the beach when a storm lingered overhead, or prepare to suffer the wrath of their deity.  The more fearful of the group headed straight for the woods, with only three of the braver hunters, after concluding that Dorag and his hunting party had been unable to see or feel the sudden change of wind while clambering up the sheltered side of the outcrop, took it upon themselves to brave the danger and proceeded up the pass to warn their comrades of the danger.

Atahr was aware of the storms approach, but fear for Jayah's safety was his only concern.  He was about half way up the cliff and moving as fast as he dared when the lightning struck and shook the entire outcrop, nearly dislodging him from his precarious position.  Regaining his hold he continued on, taking a brief moment to look below, and be filled with surprise and hope to see so many of his clan scaling the cliff.    

Atahr rolled himself over the top and jumped quickly to his feet, loosing the spear secured to his back, ready to take on any Bahr-Bahr standing in his way.  Moving through the mist and stumbling over a scattering of debris and dead bodies, he followed the sound... toward the whimpering wail of a new born infant... and hopefully to Jayah.

Jayah lay motionless, her tunic, bloodied and Atah could not detect any sign of life-- she was deathly pale and her chest neither rose nor fell, he put his ear to her lips and felt nothing.   Atahr cradled Jayah in his arms, wiping the still fresh tears from her face before burying his own tear streaked face into the crook of her neck.

Others and then soon Yahnnah arrived atop the knoll, despite her age and arthritis, she still ranked as one of the Clans best climbers.  She approached Atahr and tried to coax him away from Jayah, but he held tight.  Then grabbing a fist full of his hair she forcibly pulled his head back so he could read the signs produces by her gnarled fingers.

“Atar, move away from Jayah so I can tend to her,” Yahnnah commanded.

“Is she still alive then?” hope filled Atahr's eyes.

Yahnna with all of her experience new at a glance that Jayah was still alive but lay perilously close to the spirit world and close to death, she dared not waste valuable time to answer Atar.  Within moments she had discovered where Jayah had was losing blood … a long deep tear from the difficult birth.  It didn't look good, even if the bleeding could be stopped, there was still a high risk of infection.  Opening the bag attached to her belt Yahnnah removed a small tightly wrapped package, inside was an awl, delicately chiseled from ivory and a length of fine, almost transparent sinew.

Yahnna was adept as healer and with a precision honed by years of experience she closed the wound with intricate stitches.  The stitches took effect and so the worst of the blood loss slowed to a trickle, but so much blood had been lost, leaving Jayah so badly dehydrated that even a trickle posed dangerous.  If  Jayah didn't soon awaken to take in fluids she would soon die.  Yahnna again reached into her medicine pouch and pulled out another small tightly wrapped parcel no bigger than the tip of her thumb, she opened it to reveal a white powder and to this she added a few drops of water and then held the acrid smelling mixture just below Jayahs nose.

There was a slight response as Jayah's eyes flickered weakly, giving hope to all who stood near, but there was no light... no sign of life in her eyes and Yahnnah knew at that moment, just how dangerously close Jayah was to entering the spirit world and to the point of no return.  Yahnna raised her water bag and let a slow trickle flow between Jayahs parched lips.  Still no response.

A young woman, Shara, the newest member of the Salmon clan and mate to Jaron had found the infant who was now swaddled in soft tanned fish hide, and Yahnnah beckoned for the child.  Yahnnah opened the swaddling and lay the child across Jayah's breast and then lay the covering atop them both for warmth, never taking her eyes off Jayah's face in hopes of any sign of life.

Jayah was at the border of the spirit world, her being had filled with a peace and love she had never experienced before and she felt herself being drawn closer... and then she felt something else... something familiar -- a different swarmth, she felt the little movement... the soft nuzzling of her baby's face moving against her breast... seeking.    Her baby needed her... Atahr, Zoran and Yahnna needed her... her clan needed her.

The sudden intake of breath surprise all who waited nearby... it was the dead coming back to life.  Yahnnah went to work, propping Jayah up enough so that the drops of water would settle at the front of her mouth and encourage her to swallow.

Within moments Jayah was revived enough to take in a larger quantity and Yahnna smiled to see color come back to her cheeks and the light of life back into her eyes… she was weak, but alive.

Yahnnah watches as Atahr held Jayah, savouring the precious tender moment.  Love was the best medicine now.  Yahnnah was so tired as she turned her attention to the clans woman, Shara, who nudged nervously at her side.  What could possibly be so pressing?!

Shara bowed her head, not wanting the task of having to enlighten Yahnnah, but it was urgent and so she took it upon herself to do so.  Her sign was broken and full of emotion.

"The child...  Yahnnah... he... she... ", Shara was unable to continue, and she didn't have to.  Yahnnah knew that there was something about the baby that the young woman was having trouble conveying.  Yahnnah immediately turned her attention to the soft suckling sound of Jayah's baby laying next to her breast and still covered by the swaddling.
No one thought it unusual when Yahnnah collected the infant, or that she made sure that the swaddling remained in tack ... covering the infant while doing so.  After all, it was the duty of the head Shaman to fully inspect the baby after the cord was cut.   Yahnnah took the new born aside and after careful inspection, bestowed her thanks to Ayah for such a gift... one that she knew some of their clan would not  be able to see in the same light.   Some babies would be returned to Ayah if considered to be hopelessly damaged, Yahnnah was determined that this would not be the case.  

Despite the pains of life, and including the loss of a loved one, it was believed by the Dykelander peoples that all things in the universe worked toward a future good, and even though it may not be apparent at the time, they would one day reach a level of maturity to know more fully.  It was for this reason that the Dykelander's strove to learn and have a better understanding of their world and the workings of their Deity every day.

In the small world of the Dykelander people, a child born belonged to a four tiered guardianship system… first to Ayah, second to the Tribe, third to the Clan and fourth to the parents.    The Shaman would have the first say as to the status of the child… Yahnna would be the first to interpret the will of Ayah as to whether the child was meant to live or be returned to Ayah.

When Yahnna returned she beckoned for Atahr.  Jayah was awake, fully aware now of all that had transpired... and anxious to see her baby, but as was customary of the Dykelander tribe, she would have to wait.

Yahnna passed the swaddled new born to Atahr, but not before she gave him a complex array of subtle communications that only he could see.  He accepted the bundle and head for the private area where Yahnna had come, but as he did so, he threw back a questioning glance to Yahnna, confused and baffled by what she so obviously conveyed.

The Dykelander's conversed with a sign language so complex that intricate communications could be conveyed through the subtlest of body language… the flicker of an eye, the twitch of a brow, the curve of a lip.

“You will understand my meaning,” Yahnna sent yet another secret message to the now concerned Atahr.   “You will see that our tribe is now specially blessed and now you must do your duty… and be strong for Jayah", all of this, Atahr read in a single glance.

Atahr  was the man of Jayahs hearth according to the mating customs of the people and though their beliefs would allow each  to seek a new mate each year, Atahr and Jayah remained bound and committed to one another for the past five years.  As man of Jayahs hearth, Atahr would leave the side of his mate to now attend to his sacred duty as the child's father.  In the quiet place Atahr prayed over the still swaddled child as he did at the birth of their son, he acknowledged duality and yet oneness that he and Jayah shared in vague, "beginning" likeness to their perfect deity Ayah-- a perfect duality in perfect oneness: both Female and Male, Mother and Father.     At a moment such as this, after the birth, the man of the hearth would examine the child…   Atahr  had the right as bestowed by Ayah to either claim the child to be from his spirit and so his willingness to be its father, or he could claim the child as belonging to Ayah, in which case the Tribal Council would have the final say as to whether the child would remain or be returned to the celestial realm.   With the blessings of the Shaman and the fathers bestowing of a name on the child and finally with the placing of Ayah's mark, the baby was officially declared a member of the parents clan and a member of their entire tribe, and such a declaration was not so easily overturned.      

Atahr had taken longer than normal, as Yahnna knew he would.  ‘It will take him a while to understand and come to terms,’ she thought to herself.  If there was one thing that Yahnna knew about Atahr, it was that he would always stand by the wishes of Jayah… he loved her first and foremost and would die for her if need be.  Because of this, Yahnna knew that Atahr would make the right decision.

Yahnna was glad to have the extra time to prepare Jayah.

“Your child is a miracle... a special gift directly from Ayah,”  Yahnna signed, she wanted to convey this one thing first before she would reveal more.  “Do not be concerned when you look upon your child for the first time,” she continued, carefully choosing her signs, “the child is in the more perfect image of Ayah”.

Jayah was perplexed with Yahnnas behaviour and adding fuel to the fire was that  Atahr was taking so long.  She wanted to see and hold her baby… to know and sign her baby's name for the first time.  She wanted to hold her baby in the safety of her arms.

Yahnna recounted to Jayah the wonderful attributes of their deity and beliefs that many Dykelander's held fast to.

“Remember Jayah, that Ayah is both male and female… mother and father… two seemingly opposing and yet complimentary halves that make up a whole-- a single deity.”

Yahnna reached deep inside herself for all the right thoughts to convey, “remember the prophesy Jayah… the celestial promise that the people will grow more fully in the likeness to Ayah… that our day on earth at this time is but a shadow of our existence…we are all but a babe being nurtured in the womb of Ayah.”  Jayah was confused, not knowing why Yannah was going on, and so much more than at the birth of Zahr.  She began to fear that something was wrong.  "Yahnnah, is there something wrong with my baby?"

Chapter 11: Death and Demons

The burly young Bahr-Bahr with a flaming red beard and hair tinted black with tar  hovered over the lone woman and her new born,  enraged with the truth that gradually sank in.  Dorag had not only been duped by a sole member of their enemy, butt a young woman heavy with child AND in labour!  He would never live  this  down.   His lips stretched back in a hate filled grimace, Dorag  picked up the infant by the heels and poised the dagger to the babies heart while Jayah watched helplessly.

Never before had Dorag felt such a strong desire for cruelty and revenge, having always taken pride in being more humane than most Bahr-Bahr hunters, killing their enemy with swift accuracy.

Jayah's eyes closed, her body becoming limp and lifeless.  It was all too much, physical pain was something she could endure, but watching the slaughter of her baby by a merciless lot was too much and so her mind simply took charge,  slowly bringing her to the point of death.  Before departing she lingered for a moment in semi unconsciousness, and that's when she heard the gurgling roar, as though a great distance away.  She was aware enough to know that the tide had risen, bringing with it waves that crashed with formidable power, churning the boulders and stones that lay within the cave, the echoing sound was like that of a charging Ursus, hence why her  people  named the outcrop of land, Ursus Minorica.  Jayah felt the tug of the spirit world and she moved with the flow, eager to move away from pain, her spirit separated, drifting upward from its earthly existence.

Dorag's body had suddenly become rigid, the look of cruel hatred wiped clean and  shocked disbelief taking its place.  He wondered if his eyes were deceiving him, so he brought the now squalling infant closer for a better look and then stumbled backward.  He had never seen such a bizarre sight-- the face… the body!  Dorag let the infant slip through his grasp and started to back away, sheer horror now etched on his face, and in the next moment he turned and fled as though chased by demons.

Though Dorag was regarded as the most fearless of Bahr-Bahr hunters, he was nothing of the sort at that moment.  For as long as he could remember, he had been well prepared for any of the gruelling deaths that could possibly await him, but nothing prepared him for what he could now plainly see.  Many of the other Bahr-Bahr hunters who had lagged behind Dorag were now huddled near the lonepine,, visibly shaken by the gurgling roar that took them off guard.  Trying to peer through the fog they desperately sought their leader, when suddenly they glimpsed him in a mad run heading back toward the pass.  They weren't about to stick around to find out what had traumatized their fearless leader, trusting that only a demon could evoke such fear.  

There was no warning, the lightning and thunder were simultaneous and struck with a force that shook the entire knoll.   The Bahr-Bahr hunters who had just left their huddle in hot pursuit of their leader didn't stand a chance, the mighty pine that was their refuge exploded into a splintering mass off debris.  Some of the Bahr-Bahr instantly met their death,  either speared and ppegged to the ground by great chunks of wood or  blown  off the cliff.   Only  three  including Dorag had been lucky enough to make it over the cliff and onto the path of safety.

Jayah was aware that she was drifting upward toward the realm of spirits and she was at peace welcoming the thought when she heard the distant crack of lightning and a shaking-- she was still connected to the earth and her body albeit by a thread.  She was about to continue her journey when she wondered why her baby wasn't with her. So she looked back.  Jayah was high enough above the knoll that she could see nearly all: she saw her pale lifeless body nestled in the shallow crevice, protected from all that had transpired in the blink of an eye.   The lone pine obliterated in the wake of destruction lay scattered about in shards.  She could see the dead bodies, and she felt their spirits soar past, oblivious to her own spirit presence.  She saw the remaining Bahr-Bahr hunters scurry precarious down the path to join up with those who had remained behind at the base of the knoll, and then watched as they ran off into the woods.  On the other side of the knoll Jayah watched as her clans people made their way, her beloved mate, Atar, was already  nearing the crest of the cliff's western face, and  Yahnnah too was there to, beginning her ascent.    They were coming to her rescue.  Jayah's heart gave a tug and her spirit moved from the border of the spirit world and closer toward earth   beforre moving again, following the powerful flow leading to the spirit world.

Jayah  looked for her baby expecting to find it's young spirit helplessly wandering and trying to make it's way behind her,  but instead, she heard it's cry.  Her child  was still alive, somewhere in the deep moss, alone...and   alive!!

Chapter 10: Dream, Vision, Reality

The Dyke-lander's were fully indoctrinated in a culture that adhered to a long list of rules and so even as death lurked, Jayah was distressed that she would breath her last while breaking a sacred law.  Being on high ground and surrounded by open beach was  the worst place to be during a lightning storm.

Reclined, Jayah lifted her head enough to see the swift approach of black clouds,   and her concern intensified, and then she had a thought, if I could just make it to the crevice... and to the upper entrance to the cave.  With concerted effort Jayah used her arms to pull herself slowly along, her legs too weak to carry her any further.

The upper entrance to the cave was a sheer drop to a cluster of round boulders of every size that lay at the very bottom of the knoll's hollow interior.  It was a drop guaranteed to kill her instantly.  Caves were considered the protective womb of Ayah, a sacred and safe place to be at any time, and this is where many of their  elders chose to be as their time drew near... refusing sustenance to quicken their  end.   Even if Jayah took her own life in the end, she felt that Ayah would approve, and she also felt that Ayah had mercifully brought her to the realization.  This cave,  Ursus Minorica, was a good place for herself and her unborn child to die... if by chance her child still clung to life.

As Jayah rolled on her back and waited for the contraction to  pass, she could still  see the flash of lightning from behind tightly closed lids, and then the piercing crack as it shattered the darkened sky.  She made the count -- three fingers away, and from where the sound came, she assessed that the storm was moving away... back out to sea.  She was confused, does this mean that Ayah wants me to hang on?

Another contraction seized Jayah as she slipped into the shallow crevice where the  thick bed of moss greeted her tired aching body.  Even through the intense pain, she could feel the soft reassuring comfort and took pleasure in what she believed to be a show of compassion from Ayah.  Jayah felt a warm sensation of peace and at that moment another contraction came, and for the first time she felt the force of it move her child down and she felt an urge to push.  Instinct kicked in and she responded with all her might.

She felt her flesh tear, and then a great sense of relief as her body did the rest, a  final contraction that emptied her womb and brought forth her baby.  Her relief was only momentary, there was no sound... no cry... not even a whimper.   Jayah wept as she bore through the final contractions that brought forth the placenta.  As the mixture of sweat and tears burned her eyes, she pulled her baby's still, slippery body up into her arms.

Jayay was only five rolls away from the caves upper entrance, but it would have to wait as she took a few precious moments to mourn her loss.  In the still silence is when she felt it... she felt her baby move... it was subtle, but she was sure of it.  Is it possible?!

Jayay tried to look down at her child but she was too weak and all around her was beginning to grow dim, and yet there was clarity as her mind grappled with the gravity and hopelessness of their situation.  What does it matter if my child lives.

Jayah felt the familiarity... as though what she was now experiencing had happened before.  Turning her head to one side she looked through the tendrils of mist and to the vague outline of a lone towering pine.  It's the dream!   It came back to her in a flood, the time when she was barely fifteen summers old.  It was a vision!  

Things unfolded as with the vision: her legs felt as though on fire... and then from the mist emerged a lone figure... one the Bahr-Bahr.

Dorag looked down on her with hate and loathing in the icy blue of his eyes.  What followed was just as predicted by the vision, Jayah lay still, helplessly watching as events unfolded, she saw the Bahr-Bahr reach down and lift her baby up by the ankles and then she heard the whimpering cry,  she saw the spear poised to strike before all around her turned black.

Chapter 9- No Time To Lose

Yahnnah had no choice but to scream, it was the quickest way to stop the other clan members before they were out of  earshot.

Before turning around, each member had sprung into action, immediately breaking off into two groups.  The more able bodied individuals with spears poised and moving with lethal speed, took up strategic positions surrounding the second group, mostly children who huddled together.

All expected to see Yahnna being pursued by a formidable predator, a cave lion... ursus... or a pack of wolves.   When they saw nothing in pursuit, they lowered their weapons and allowed the hairs at the nape of their neck to relax.   Half of the first group ran out to meet their Shaman who was running towards them, and even though her lips were tightly pursed, a silent scream remained etched on her face.  It was out of character for their leader to break one of Ayah's golden rules and in the case of a scream, only a life threatening danger could justify the breach.  Whatever it could be, all were certain that danger was imminent... lurking somewhere.

As those running toward her gathered around, Yahnnah signed first in bold  gestures, giving instruction to the others still huddled together in the distance-- they were to continue moving along with the journey.

Turning to the others now before her, Yahnnah's gnarled hands formed intricate signs with such precision that even before she had finished, Atahr, having understood enough, was already quickly on the way, heading back down the slope .  Quickly Yahnna instructed a few of those gathered to follow him,  and then turning to the two fleetest scouts, she instructed them to run ahead of the first group w to Ursa Majorica,  their original   destination where other Clans were gathered.  They were to enlist  tribal warriors who would swiftly make their way to Ursa Minorica.

It was mostly down hill and so Atahr and those following him made good time.  Atahr was the first to reach the small clearing where they had camped the night before.   He ran to very spot where earlier that morning Jayah had parted into the wood.  There was no obvious trail where she had entered and nor was there any indication that she had retraced her steps, but this didn't mean much considering her exceptional stealth and skill at passing through woodlands without leaving a trace.  Atahr circled the outer perimeter of the encampment until he found what he was looking for ... and dreading.  It was a wide blazing trail, not in the direction where the clan had left... and yet it was the kind of trail left by predators when in hot pursuit of prey.  Still, it wasn't headed south toward the sea and to Ursa Minorica, the small outcrop of land where Yahnna claimed Jayah was headed.  This gave Atahr hope... he wanted so much to believe that Yahnna had been wrong!

Atahr knew in his heart and mind that Jayah would indeed do the very thing that Yahnna now feared was the case.  He knew that the only reason his beloved mate would use herself as bait and so leave forever those she loved most in the world, would be that her death and the death of their unborn child was inevitable.   In such a case, Atahr knew that Jayah would choose to use her last breath protecting the ones she loved most.

Within moments and as the others and then Yahnna arrived at the encampment, they found Atahr in state of euphoric, almost giddy relief.  "You see Yahnna", he rushed to her side signing and pointing to the trail , "it veers to the east and not the south... the Bahr-Bahr hunters simply gave up the hunt ... it must have been the  smoke... and fearing that a change of wind would bring fire upon them."

“THINK Atahr,” Yahnna issued hermost commanding stance, her arms, hands and fingers signing in bold of gestures, "Jayah would not have gone the shorter route to the south because it's not the fastest"!  Atahr's face paled immediately, knowing   that she was right... Jayah was headed toward a section of forest that was longer, but much easier to traverse, a section that eventually veered southwest until she could emerge onto the beach  near the western face of Ursus Minorica.  

It took everything for Yahnna to hold on to Atahr as he drug her along in his attempt to dash madly down the trail.  Following her lead those nearby pulled him to a stop, where Yahnna then barring his way could gain his attention and attempt to rationalize with the distraught young man.

Atahr fought to loose himself and when he realized it was impossible he focussed on what Yahnna was trying so hard to convey.  "Atahr... there is just one thing  everyone needs to be aware of before you follow the trail", she beckoned the others to gather for her instruction.  "As the trail opens beyond the trees and before it  approaches the shore, it will pass through a swath of low lying shrub that MUST be avoided even though circling around will cost time.  Each shrub is equipped with small seemingly innocent thorns, but even the slightest scratch transmits a powerful serum that will cause a delayed reaction, one that will leave your flesh burning as though on fire, and it will continue to work slowly into your system until your legs are numb and unable to move... a temporary paralysis that could   delay everything... saving Jayah's life if indeed still possible, and it could result in being the end of us if the Bahr-Bahr were smart enough to avoid the peril.   She looked into Atahr's eyes for a sign of acknowledgement before motioning for his release.  Atahr was off in a flash, not looking back to see that Yahnna had given the command for the others to follow.

Atahr  was still in the wood, running well ahead of the others when he heard the tell-tale low rumble followed almost immediately  by  an ear shattering CRACK!!

When Atahr finally came to the beach, his eyes caught sight of the outcrop.  There was no one  ... no Jayah and no Bahr-Bahr hunter anywhere to be seen.  To  Atahr, this could mean only one thing if indeed Jayah's dream had been a vision of the future... one that was unfolding at this very moment.  He, as with each of his Clan members, were aware of the rock slide on the outcrops eastern side that made it more accessible... it would be the only way that the Bahr-Bahr who were not adept at climbing, could make it to the top... and as Jayah's vision had revealed, at least one had done just that.

"It could be" Atahr thought to himself, "that the Bahr-Bahr have just arrived to the other side ... and perhaps they haven't yet started their ascent".   It was a slim hope that he clung to as though it were a fact that would enable him to intercept the attack and save Jayah.  He quickly assessed the situation. The quickest route was to make a bee-line across the beach that led to the section of the outcrop nearest him... to a section of cliff that was the shortest route up, but was also the most perilous.  Atahr ran to it as though his life depended on it... and to him, it did.   The threat of even more lightning... or testing fate by breaking one of Ayah's golden rules didn't matter to him.  He didn't bother to look at the sky for any of the signs,  all that mattered at the moment was getting to Jayah with no time to lose.