Thoughts of her son intruded Jayah's mind. She could still feel where his small fingers had squeezed around her ankle, his feeble attempt at trying to stop her from leaving earlier that morning. She was proud of Zahr, barely four winters and yet he knew enough to not make a sound as his tears brimmed and his eyes pleaded in silences. Jayah had managed a weak smile, her eyes trying to console as they pierced into his.
She thought of her mate, Atahr, and the promise she had made to him. “The Bahr-Bahr won't find me,” Jayah's fingers moved deftly in the sign language of her people. “After all, am I not the most adept among our people at covering a trail"? with this, she slung the satchel of provisions over her shoulder.
“Jayah,” Atahr pleaded, “you're in no condition…” his hands started before silenced by her own. Jayah brought his hands to the front of her tunic , a patchwork of cured fish hides, thin, supple, and stretched tight against her swollen belly.
“It's time," was all she could muster before her belly constricted, pushing into his hand. Atar's brow furrowed tightly as he felt her wince with pain.
“It is foolishness to think…” again Atahr was cut off from trying to reason with Jayah, her hands holding tightly to his. Atar looked into the eyes of his mate, pulling away, “I will go with you ”, he managed to sign.
“No! our Clan needs you, Zahr needs you"!
Atahr couldn't argue with that. “Take Yahnna at least,” he pleaded, desperately seeking a middle ground.
The entire clan stood nearby, watching and waiting. Sixty-six individuals made up the members of their clan, thirty-three adults in the prime of life and the rest children and elderly. Yahnnah stood among them, a stolid figure. She appeared regal, though her attire was no different than the others -- a variegated blend of green and brown fish hide, a special garb designed to camouflage. It was her stance, the deep lines of her weathered face, her knowing eyes… wisdom and authority permeated her entire being.
Jayah shook her head, “No, Yahnna is the last of the Shaman healers among our Clan… she is High Priestess to Ayah, leader of the Council of Elders, she must remain with the Clan and take on the role as Chief in my absence.”
Atahr was pulling at straws now, “Ayah forbids anyone from venturing away from the clan alone” he signed , “you must have someone accompany you” .
Jayah rested a hand on her swollen belly, “I'm not alone Atar, and remember, that as Shaman I'm allowed to bend this rule if circumstances warrant it, such as this circumstance . Atar was no match against her will, and besides, as their leader, she had the last say. Atar conceded, lowering his eyes to indicate this. Both knew that there was no more time for debating .
Jayah turned to her son standing nearby. Zahr was shaking, clutching a small figure made of tightly bound grass no larger than his hand, it glistened with his tears as he held it to his lips to stifle a cry.
His mother had told him that the little image of Ayah would help him to be strong. She had taught him how to hold the figure to his lips, whenever he felt an urge to cry. It was important to traverse the forest in silence, not wanting to draw the attention of mega beasts and other predators that scoured the mainland in search of easy prey. And that's precisely what they were at the moment, easy prey, as they moved through the forest with children and elderly.
For the first time in generations the entire River Clan made their way to Kwanzaa, a gathering of the clans that occurred every second year, but consisting usually only those between the ages of 13 and 50 winters who were fit enough to travel. This time was different, after the gathering the Dyke-lander tribe would move off in search of a a new home. leaving their beloved islands for good.
Jayah looked to her mate and saw that he too had been watching Zahr. Jayah could see the pain in his eyes and the mans love for his child that was equal to her own. She knew that nothing more needed to be said, she turned, shifted the satchel on her back, then made her way to the edge of the small clearing, and was about to disappear into the forest when she felt small hands wrap around her foot. Zahr clung with all his might, his body and feet dragging, trying to hold his mother back. Jayah pulled him up, shifting him awkwardly over her belly so that his tear stained cheeks pressed in the crook of her shoulder. Jayah lightly kissed the unruly mat of his sand brown hair, untangled his fingers from her own and placed him squirming, into the waiting arms of his father.
For what seemed an eternal moment, Jayah's eyes lingered on her family, to Zahr, Atar and then Yahnnah, before taking her leave. She didn't have to look back to know that Zahr's small hands were grasping at the empty air behind her… and it was everything she could do to keep her resolve and not turn back.
Despite her cumbersome belly, Jayah slipped gracefully between the trees as slick and sure footed as a cave lion. She headed north, away from her Clan and the enemy who pursued them.
With Zahr still in his arms, Atar moved along with the rest of the clan, glancing back now and then in hopes of seeing Jayah... hoping that she had changed her mind.
The Clans destination was to the west, to a place they called Ursa-maja, a mighty gorge and jagged lime stone cliffs riddled with caves, special caves that were inaccessible to predators, including the Bahr-Bahr hunters. The Clans people were avid climbers, and very familiar with the caves -- a maze of tunnels with many hidden entrances.
Atar could not stop worrying about Jayah, he hoped that her decision had been the right one and that by travelling alone she truly would be better off ... that she would find a safe place to give birth, recoup her strength and then meet up with the clan later that same day.
###
Shortly after having parted and knowing that the clan were well on their way, Jayah retraced her steps, returning to the small circular clearing where they had all stood only moments before. She perused the area, carefully combing along the boundary of trees. After a short while, she found her Clans parting trail. The evidence was scant, but it was there.
A look of concern furrowed Jayah's brow… ‘ If I can pick up their trail, than so will the Bahr-Bahr.’
Swiftly, Jayah made preparations, setting the first stage of her plan by creating another trail heading south, one that the Bahr-Bahr hunters would find and hopefully follow. Then for the second stage, she pulled up her tunic and removed her loin cloth that she had thickly padded with moss the night before... moss now drenched with her blood. Stuffing it in her satchel she flung it high so that it landed onto a tree branch and out of sight. She moved deeper into the wood-- a stand of mostly larch, blood flowing freely down her legs as she made her way.
After awhile, the larch gave way to a thick stand of hardwood, mostly l sprawling oak that she wound her way around until she was out in the open and able to see beyond the gentle slope of the land to the tangle of uprooted trees and beyond that a wide beach of boulders and then sand, from which protruded an outcrop, a giant finger of land pointing into the sea.
Before Jayah could get to the border of tangled trees she had to pass through a patch of tightly knit shrub that she didn't pay much attention to other than the quick decision to push her way through instead of going around. Jayah passed through not only once, but back and forth several times, leaving a wide swath that was sure to lure the Bahr-Bahr along... that is, if they had taken the bait.
The mid morning sun pierced through cracks in the cloud, leaving purple and red streaks on the horizon, further evidence of a brewing storm. 'Sacred-Pine'... or "Sapin" for short, was the name given to the outcrop of land that was sacred to her people as all outcrops were, but this one more so because at the top of the point extending into the sea stood a lone pine that had survived more than two hundred winters. The tree stood at the very top of a knoll at a point that jutted into the sea. It mocked the heavens, reaching into the sky higher than any other thing, living or innate, for miles around. That lightning had not struck it down was in itself a miracle, one suggesting that Ayah held the tree in high esteem. Many tantalizing stories were conjured up around camp fires by story tellers, each applying their own particular twist at trying to guess Ayah's reason for allowing the tree to get away with breaking one of her golden rules.
For a brief moment, Jayah hesitated on beginning the climb, after all, it was also forbidden to travel to such a place during a storm, or as with the case now, a storm that loomed nearby. This was a rule that even a Shaman was not allowed to break, but as Jayah thought of her family and the danger they were in, she pressed on. This was something that Jayah had always suspected of herself-- that she would go against Ayah herself if it meant saving her loved ones.
###
It had not been easy for the Clan to move on without Jayah, but the situation was dire, with Bahr-Bahr hunters in hot pursuit, and so under the circumstances, it seemed the rational thing to do. Her plan made sense in that it truly was less likely for the Bahr-Bahr to find a single person who could hide their trail much easier than a group, and as Jayah herself claimed, she was the most adept among the people at covering a trail.
Many o the clan were convinced that Jayah would find a safe place where she could then give birth with no complications given that her son Zahr had come into the world with no difficulty. Regardless, a woman in labour would slow them down, leaving the entire clan at risk.
###
On the previous day and only two days after having arrived on the mainland, the scouts returned to the clan with reports of their trail having been picked up by hunters, a group of 23 led by a red haired Bahr-Bahr, scars raking one side of his face. This was very bad news for the Clan who feared this Bahr-Bahr more than any other, and so those most skilled were put to the task at covering the Clans trail.
All their efforts were to no avail as the Bahr-Bahr continued to gain ground. The Clan pushed forward even as the light grew dim, feeling their way into the shadows, buying themselves a little more time. When they stopped for the night, their sleep was restless and when they had awoke, it was still too dark to travel so they took the time to fill themselves with the meddly of dried berries, fruit, seeds, nuts, honey and fat mixed with dry salted salmon, a combination of food that would give them optimal energy to last the rest of the day. Jayah waited for all to finish and while the sky was still peppered with stars she approached the clan with her dilemma.
It was not easy for Jayah to lie to her people, especially to Atar, Yahnnah, and Zahr, but she had no other choice, not if she wanted her true plan... the one she kept hidden from them, to succeed.
In the light of red coals that still burned in their fire pit. the Clan gathered to see why their leader had summoned them. Jayah started off slowly, her hands making signs with exaggerated precision in order that all could see what she needed to convey.
"It's time... the little one comes today."
No sooner had Jayah signed the words when another contraction seized her, causing her to wince as she continued. "I won't be continuing, but will find a save place to give birth and meet you at our destination before nightfall... it's best for all... and it's best for me and the baby".
Jayah knew that not all would be pleased with her plan, especially choosing to venture out alone, but she had to convince them that there was no other choice. "carrying me as my labour escalates is not an option," her signs were bold and convincing, " and discarding food in order to maintain speed is also not an option". She stopped, giving time for people to absorb it all.
It was indeed true. The Clan carried with them their entire ration of foraged foods, sustenance necessary for surviving the coming winter.
In her moment of silence Jayah had another contraction, one that she hid from the others this time... she didn't want them to know how close together they were and so realize the danger she was in.
She thought of her mate, Atahr, and the promise she had made to him. “The Bahr-Bahr won't find me,” Jayah's fingers moved deftly in the sign language of her people. “After all, am I not the most adept among our people at covering a trail"? with this, she slung the satchel of provisions over her shoulder.
“Jayah,” Atahr pleaded, “you're in no condition…” his hands started before silenced by her own. Jayah brought his hands to the front of her tunic , a patchwork of cured fish hides, thin, supple, and stretched tight against her swollen belly.
“It's time," was all she could muster before her belly constricted, pushing into his hand. Atar's brow furrowed tightly as he felt her wince with pain.
“It is foolishness to think…” again Atahr was cut off from trying to reason with Jayah, her hands holding tightly to his. Atar looked into the eyes of his mate, pulling away, “I will go with you ”, he managed to sign.
“No! our Clan needs you, Zahr needs you"!
Atahr couldn't argue with that. “Take Yahnna at least,” he pleaded, desperately seeking a middle ground.
The entire clan stood nearby, watching and waiting. Sixty-six individuals made up the members of their clan, thirty-three adults in the prime of life and the rest children and elderly. Yahnnah stood among them, a stolid figure. She appeared regal, though her attire was no different than the others -- a variegated blend of green and brown fish hide, a special garb designed to camouflage. It was her stance, the deep lines of her weathered face, her knowing eyes… wisdom and authority permeated her entire being.
Jayah shook her head, “No, Yahnna is the last of the Shaman healers among our Clan… she is High Priestess to Ayah, leader of the Council of Elders, she must remain with the Clan and take on the role as Chief in my absence.”
Atahr was pulling at straws now, “Ayah forbids anyone from venturing away from the clan alone” he signed , “you must have someone accompany you” .
Jayah rested a hand on her swollen belly, “I'm not alone Atar, and remember, that as Shaman I'm allowed to bend this rule if circumstances warrant it, such as this circumstance . Atar was no match against her will, and besides, as their leader, she had the last say. Atar conceded, lowering his eyes to indicate this. Both knew that there was no more time for debating .
Jayah turned to her son standing nearby. Zahr was shaking, clutching a small figure made of tightly bound grass no larger than his hand, it glistened with his tears as he held it to his lips to stifle a cry.
His mother had told him that the little image of Ayah would help him to be strong. She had taught him how to hold the figure to his lips, whenever he felt an urge to cry. It was important to traverse the forest in silence, not wanting to draw the attention of mega beasts and other predators that scoured the mainland in search of easy prey. And that's precisely what they were at the moment, easy prey, as they moved through the forest with children and elderly.
For the first time in generations the entire River Clan made their way to Kwanzaa, a gathering of the clans that occurred every second year, but consisting usually only those between the ages of 13 and 50 winters who were fit enough to travel. This time was different, after the gathering the Dyke-lander tribe would move off in search of a a new home. leaving their beloved islands for good.
Jayah looked to her mate and saw that he too had been watching Zahr. Jayah could see the pain in his eyes and the mans love for his child that was equal to her own. She knew that nothing more needed to be said, she turned, shifted the satchel on her back, then made her way to the edge of the small clearing, and was about to disappear into the forest when she felt small hands wrap around her foot. Zahr clung with all his might, his body and feet dragging, trying to hold his mother back. Jayah pulled him up, shifting him awkwardly over her belly so that his tear stained cheeks pressed in the crook of her shoulder. Jayah lightly kissed the unruly mat of his sand brown hair, untangled his fingers from her own and placed him squirming, into the waiting arms of his father.
For what seemed an eternal moment, Jayah's eyes lingered on her family, to Zahr, Atar and then Yahnnah, before taking her leave. She didn't have to look back to know that Zahr's small hands were grasping at the empty air behind her… and it was everything she could do to keep her resolve and not turn back.
Despite her cumbersome belly, Jayah slipped gracefully between the trees as slick and sure footed as a cave lion. She headed north, away from her Clan and the enemy who pursued them.
With Zahr still in his arms, Atar moved along with the rest of the clan, glancing back now and then in hopes of seeing Jayah... hoping that she had changed her mind.
The Clans destination was to the west, to a place they called Ursa-maja, a mighty gorge and jagged lime stone cliffs riddled with caves, special caves that were inaccessible to predators, including the Bahr-Bahr hunters. The Clans people were avid climbers, and very familiar with the caves -- a maze of tunnels with many hidden entrances.
Atar could not stop worrying about Jayah, he hoped that her decision had been the right one and that by travelling alone she truly would be better off ... that she would find a safe place to give birth, recoup her strength and then meet up with the clan later that same day.
###
Shortly after having parted and knowing that the clan were well on their way, Jayah retraced her steps, returning to the small circular clearing where they had all stood only moments before. She perused the area, carefully combing along the boundary of trees. After a short while, she found her Clans parting trail. The evidence was scant, but it was there.
A look of concern furrowed Jayah's brow… ‘ If I can pick up their trail, than so will the Bahr-Bahr.’
Swiftly, Jayah made preparations, setting the first stage of her plan by creating another trail heading south, one that the Bahr-Bahr hunters would find and hopefully follow. Then for the second stage, she pulled up her tunic and removed her loin cloth that she had thickly padded with moss the night before... moss now drenched with her blood. Stuffing it in her satchel she flung it high so that it landed onto a tree branch and out of sight. She moved deeper into the wood-- a stand of mostly larch, blood flowing freely down her legs as she made her way.
After awhile, the larch gave way to a thick stand of hardwood, mostly l sprawling oak that she wound her way around until she was out in the open and able to see beyond the gentle slope of the land to the tangle of uprooted trees and beyond that a wide beach of boulders and then sand, from which protruded an outcrop, a giant finger of land pointing into the sea.
Before Jayah could get to the border of tangled trees she had to pass through a patch of tightly knit shrub that she didn't pay much attention to other than the quick decision to push her way through instead of going around. Jayah passed through not only once, but back and forth several times, leaving a wide swath that was sure to lure the Bahr-Bahr along... that is, if they had taken the bait.
The mid morning sun pierced through cracks in the cloud, leaving purple and red streaks on the horizon, further evidence of a brewing storm. 'Sacred-Pine'... or "Sapin" for short, was the name given to the outcrop of land that was sacred to her people as all outcrops were, but this one more so because at the top of the point extending into the sea stood a lone pine that had survived more than two hundred winters. The tree stood at the very top of a knoll at a point that jutted into the sea. It mocked the heavens, reaching into the sky higher than any other thing, living or innate, for miles around. That lightning had not struck it down was in itself a miracle, one suggesting that Ayah held the tree in high esteem. Many tantalizing stories were conjured up around camp fires by story tellers, each applying their own particular twist at trying to guess Ayah's reason for allowing the tree to get away with breaking one of her golden rules.
For a brief moment, Jayah hesitated on beginning the climb, after all, it was also forbidden to travel to such a place during a storm, or as with the case now, a storm that loomed nearby. This was a rule that even a Shaman was not allowed to break, but as Jayah thought of her family and the danger they were in, she pressed on. This was something that Jayah had always suspected of herself-- that she would go against Ayah herself if it meant saving her loved ones.
###
It had not been easy for the Clan to move on without Jayah, but the situation was dire, with Bahr-Bahr hunters in hot pursuit, and so under the circumstances, it seemed the rational thing to do. Her plan made sense in that it truly was less likely for the Bahr-Bahr to find a single person who could hide their trail much easier than a group, and as Jayah herself claimed, she was the most adept among the people at covering a trail.
Many o the clan were convinced that Jayah would find a safe place where she could then give birth with no complications given that her son Zahr had come into the world with no difficulty. Regardless, a woman in labour would slow them down, leaving the entire clan at risk.
###
On the previous day and only two days after having arrived on the mainland, the scouts returned to the clan with reports of their trail having been picked up by hunters, a group of 23 led by a red haired Bahr-Bahr, scars raking one side of his face. This was very bad news for the Clan who feared this Bahr-Bahr more than any other, and so those most skilled were put to the task at covering the Clans trail.
All their efforts were to no avail as the Bahr-Bahr continued to gain ground. The Clan pushed forward even as the light grew dim, feeling their way into the shadows, buying themselves a little more time. When they stopped for the night, their sleep was restless and when they had awoke, it was still too dark to travel so they took the time to fill themselves with the meddly of dried berries, fruit, seeds, nuts, honey and fat mixed with dry salted salmon, a combination of food that would give them optimal energy to last the rest of the day. Jayah waited for all to finish and while the sky was still peppered with stars she approached the clan with her dilemma.
It was not easy for Jayah to lie to her people, especially to Atar, Yahnnah, and Zahr, but she had no other choice, not if she wanted her true plan... the one she kept hidden from them, to succeed.
In the light of red coals that still burned in their fire pit. the Clan gathered to see why their leader had summoned them. Jayah started off slowly, her hands making signs with exaggerated precision in order that all could see what she needed to convey.
"It's time... the little one comes today."
No sooner had Jayah signed the words when another contraction seized her, causing her to wince as she continued. "I won't be continuing, but will find a save place to give birth and meet you at our destination before nightfall... it's best for all... and it's best for me and the baby".
Jayah knew that not all would be pleased with her plan, especially choosing to venture out alone, but she had to convince them that there was no other choice. "carrying me as my labour escalates is not an option," her signs were bold and convincing, " and discarding food in order to maintain speed is also not an option". She stopped, giving time for people to absorb it all.
It was indeed true. The Clan carried with them their entire ration of foraged foods, sustenance necessary for surviving the coming winter.
In her moment of silence Jayah had another contraction, one that she hid from the others this time... she didn't want them to know how close together they were and so realize the danger she was in.
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