Yani and the Seapeople - Taken: Saga of Yani, #2

Saga of Yani

Yani and the Knapper -The Journey

Yani and the Seapeople -Taken

Yani and Etta -A New Beginning

FOR MY WONDERFUL NIECE, Alex, my favorite NCJR.  And for the two Ettas in my life.

Forward

THE INSPIRATION FOR this book came from my time spent as a volunteer in archeological villages in Europe. I have modeled my villages after ones I visited during my twenty-three years living and working in Germany. Yani’s village, as well as several others, was patterned after the Museumsdorf Dueppel in Berlin, and the Knapper’s home village after Biskupin in the Poland. The chalk cliffs and beech forest were inspired by the Island of Ruegen on the northern coast of Germany. The village of the Seapeople is modeled on a historic site I visited in Denmark on one of my bike trips. The book is not meant to be an accurate depiction of life during the Stone Age but rather a gentle fantasy in a land I loosely patterned after Europe.

Table of Contents

Part One  - Taken ..........................................Page 9

Part Two – Wolf ...........................................Page 45

Part Three – Ana...........................................Page 61

Part Four – Traders .....................................Page 99

Part Five -Curse ...........................................Page 111

Part Six – Stinker ..........................................Page 129

Part Seven – Seals .........................................Page 167

Part One

Taken

CHAPTER ONE

Yani watched the silver pearl of moisture as it formed on the twig above the entrance to the cliff shelter. Slowly, it grew, fed by the thick ghostly fog. Yani watched it stretch into a tiny glistening tear drop before dropping into the puddle on the lip of the ledge. She listened hoping to hear Wolf as he hunted in the beech forest on the cliff above, but all she heard was an eerie silence. Even the waves made little sound as they gently kissed the rocky beach below. The warm moist air lulled her into a fitful doze. When she awakened, the fog had thickened even more, and Wolf was lying on the ledge beside her. Reaching out, she scratched his head. Turning onto her other side, she settled back into her lazy afternoon nap.

She was just dozing off again when Wolf growled softly. Looking toward the mouth of the shelter, she laid her hand on his back and whispered softly, Easy, Wolf. As she watched, a shadowy form materialized out of the fog, only to be swallowed up again by the swirling mist. She peered into the milky whiteness hoping for a glimpse of what she had seen. The breeze from the cliff stiffened again, breaking up the fog a bit more, revealing the shape again. This time it was much nearer the base of the cliff. Then as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished back into the fog as the breeze died. Silently, as she watched and waited, the shadowy shape materialized again. This time it was even closer to the shelter. Through the fog, Yani could make out it was a man, but was he alone? And who was he? Glancing down at Wolf, she saw that his attention focused on the intruder. Since Wolf was intently watching the person she could see, perhaps that meant there was only one. Nonetheless, she was uneasy because it was rare for her to see anyone on her beach. The Seapeople sometimes came to trade, but they had not come since the Knapper had passed to the Otherside. And they always arrived from the sea in one of their boats. If this intruder turned away from her shelter and followed the water’s edge, she would let him pass, but if he turned toward her shelter, then she would have to use her sling.

She held her breath as the swirling fog revealed he was moving closer with each appearance. Every time there was a break in the fog, he looked around as if he were searching for something. Was he one of the Seapeople looking for the boat he had come in? In this fog it was difficult to tell but Yani could take no chances. When the Knapper had first brought her to live with him here by the sea, he warned her about them. She had even had to run and hide on the cliff one time when they appeared on the horizon in their boat. As she watched, Wolf was remaining alert, so it couldn’t be one of her friends. Surely his nose would have recognized a friend. Yani pushed impatiently at her long blonde hair as the breeze off the cliff blew it into her eyes. She wished the wind would strengthen and blow this fog out to sea, so she could see who it was. Just before the haze thickened again, the intruder looked up directly at the shelter. Wolf moved stealthily toward the ramp where he was poised to stop any attacker as they came from the beach. Yani thought she heard the man softly mutter something, but the fog was muting the sound. The mist lifted again and to her horror, Yani realized he was looking straight at her. The wind shifted directions, and her nose picked up the enticing aroma of the hare she had slow roasting over her fire. He must have smelled that! How could she have been so careless! She had to act quickly before he moved any closer to the shelter.

Quickly, she grabbed her sling which she had left hanging from the sleeping bench behind her. Slipping several small round pebbles from her stash, she popped them into her mouth and moved toward the opening of the shelter. Looking out toward the beach, she saw that he had almost reached the base of the ramp. She took one of the pebbles from her mouth and nested it in the pad of her sling. With one fluid motion, she whirled the sling three times around her head, letting go of one of the leather thongs on the last circuit. The pebble whistled as it flew toward the man. As the pebble found its mark, Wolf lunged out of the bushes at the bottom of the ramp.

Ouch! the man yelled as the pebble hit his shoulder. He spotted Wolf just as the huge animal lunged out of the fog toward him. Yani quickly slipped another pebble out of her mouth and placed it in the pad of the sling ready to strike again. She lifted her arm to begin a second attack when something in the sound of Wolf's bark stopped her. Instead of the vicious growl he should use with an intruder, he was yipping his playful puppy greeting saved only for good friends.

Wolf, the man called, roughing the hair on his neck. At least you’re happy to see me. Are you going to try for my head this time, Yani? Or is this knot you put on my shoulder going to be enough?

Deeth, cried Yani. Ith at ou?

If you take the pebbles out of your mouth, I might understand you better, he laughed. Be careful! You don’t want to swallow one.

Yani sputtered as she began spitting out the mouthful of pebbles. Deet, she laughed. Are you all right? Did I hurt you? Then turning her attention to Wolf, And why didn't you tell me it was a friend coming? I could have hit his head. Of course, as hard as his head is, it would have done less damage, added Yani as she hurried down the ramp leading to the beach. When she reached the bottom, she quickly closed the short distance separating them. Giving the man a big hug, she said, It’s good to see you, my friend.

And you too, Little Butterfly. Is that a roasted hare I smell? he asked. There isn't some left by any chance, is there? I have had a terrible time in this fog. I have been wandering for days and days and haven’t seen a single living creature. Looking at the skeptical look on Yani’s face, he continued. Okay, maybe just two days and I did see a couple sea gulls but decided they wouldn’t make much of a meal.

As a matter of fact, I was just thinking about checking to see if that hare was done when Wolf told me someone was coming. I think we can spare a bite or two for you. Come on up to the shelter.

When they settled before the fire in the cliff shelter, Deet asked, When did the old man journey to the Otherside?

Yani gazed out through the thinning fog for a moment before answering. Finally, she turned to Deet and began, "It was late last summer. Not long after you had left us to return to your travels. Deet, I can’t thank you enough for coming north with us. I am not sure I could have gotten him home from the south without your help. I know he was glad you were with us, too. But anyway, he had been very weak for days. I had fixed him all the medicine teas as Gyla had taught me. I think much of what I learned from her in her village in the south was so I could care for Knut during his last days. But everything had stopped helping. They did nothing to ease his pain near the end.

One morning he asked me to go to the end of the cliff and gather sea oats to make a special basket. When I returned, he showed me how he wanted me to make the basket. Not too many days after that he asked that I move him from the shelter to the beach. He sat in the sun all day and watched the waves. Late in the evening I built a fire, and we talked of our journeys together. As the stars came out, he told me he would be gone when morning came. Yani stopped in her recounting of her last day with the old Knapper and once again looked out to sea. As they had talked, the fog had lifted, and she could see where the purple glow of night was settling over the eastern horizon. The waves broke pink as the last rays of the setting sun danced upon them.

Clearing her throat, she continued with her tale. We talked late into the night and I finally drifted off to sleep. When the sun woke me in the morning, he was gone. I placed his body in the basket boat as he had told me to do and set it adrift in the sea beyond the breakers.

With a tearful face, Yani looked at Deet across the fire. Deet, I feel so ashamed. I was not there to hold his hand as he crossed over. I was not there when he needed me the most. As she finished, she dropped her head on to her knees and softly wept.

When her crying stopped, Deet said, Yani, look at me. Yani raised a tear-stained face and looked across the fire. Yani, he waited until you were asleep to go. You were at his side and that was what he would have wanted. He went on his journey happily. I have known the old Knapper all my life. He was more of a father to me than my own. He would not have wanted to see the tears he knew you would cry.

Yani thought about what Deet had said as she continued to watch the night settle in. Then she nodded. Thank you. I know you’re right. I was so lost without him right at first all I could do was cry. Finally, I had to move on, she whispered.

The two friends sat in silence for a while, each one pursuing his own memories of the old Knapper. Finally, Deet broke the stillness. Why didn't you go to the Village in the Marsh? he asked.  I know Loki and Hawn would have welcomed you. And I am sure Birg would have been happy to have you there.

I went there eventually, said Yani. At first, I lived in the hollow tree on the cliff, but when that burned down after lightning struck it, I had to move back here. The fire started during a terrible storm. By the time I had saved some of my things and made my way back here, I was soaking wet and awfully cold. At first it was only rain and wind. Then it turned to ice and snow. When the cliff path got too slippery from the ice, I had to give up. The next day I woke with a headache, and by nightfall I was sick with fever. I was out of my head for a time, and then Birg came and found me. He took me back to his village as soon as I was strong enough to make the trek. I stayed with them at the Village in the Marsh until spring.  Then I came back here. Birg was furious with me when I left. He wouldn’t even tell me goodbye. Deet, pleaded Yani, this is my home. I love the sea. I don’t want to live anyplace else.

Deet looked out over the water. It gave him a queasy, uneasy feeling to watch the rolling of the waves. After a time, he turned back to Yani and smiled. Then I guess I can't talk you into going to the villages with me this winter to trade?

No, Deet, my travels are over. I’ve seen the Steppes and the Mountains That Are Always White and all that is in between. Now Wolf and I will live here by the sea. But, Yani said cautiously, I would like to ask something of you.

And what is that? asked Deet warily.

Well, started Yani before stopping uncomfortably. She looked out toward the sea.

Oh, no, cried Deet, I’m not going to go out into that water.

No, laughed Yani, that is not what I was going to ask. Then she continued in a more serious mien. Deet, since the Knapper and I returned here, I’ve been making blades. I have many more than I’ll ever use, and I have an endless supply of flint to make more if I should need them. I was wondering, she hesitated.

You were wondering if I would take them to trade? finished Deet.

Yes, replied Yani. I can't trade them myself unless I tell them Father made them but is too ill to travel. Then they would try to take advantage of the fact I am a girl, and I would not get a fair trade. Would you trade my blades for me? she asked.

As Deet pondered the idea, Yani went to her sleeping bench and drew out the basket holding her points and brought it to the fire. She placed the basket beside Deet, and he examined the blades. After holding several up to the light of the fire, he turned to her, These are excellent blades. You’ve learned well since we last met. I think I can get you some very good trades for these. What do you need?

A sheep, replied Yani without hesitation. I want to make cloth like this. And she held up the hem of her dress. I have the flax seeds that Hava gave me before we left the village at the base of the mountains. Now I need only a sheep to provide the wool. This spring I planted a patch of flax on the other side of the beech forest in the meadow where the blackberries grow. Now that summer is ending it is time to gather the seeds and harvest the flax. There will not be enough this year to spin, but next year there will be more, and each year after that I will be able to harvest more and more seeds. Then I will build a loom. I will use the flax for the warp. If I have a sheep, I will also have wool for the weft. As she talked, she rubbed the golden stone on the cord around her neck, the piece of amber with the tiny butterfly frozen in it that Birg had given her.

A sheep, huh, said Deet. He picked up a few more of the blades and smiled. With these I could get you the makings of a whole flock. But how long they will last with your friend over there is another question.

Wolf pricked up his ears, knowing he was being discussed. Yani looked over at him and frowned. Deet was right. Wolf would be a problem. But if she could teach him to pull the traveling pack, she could teach him not to attack her sheep. She smiled to herself. Here she was thinking as if she had the sheep already.

After thinking for a while about it, Deet said. It’s a deal. I’ll take your blades, and when I return next summer, I will bring a flock of sheep to make the dresses you will need when you outgrow that one. Deet stood up and stretched. But for now, I need to sleep. I had a very long walk today. With that he wrapped in his sleeping cloak and curled up by the fire.

In the morning as Deet sat at the edge of the ledge gazing out at the sea, he noticed the silver flashes of fish in the waves. As he watched an idea occurred to him. If he could catch some fish and smoke them, they would be a good trade item for next year. Yani, how do you catch the fish out there in the sea? I was thinking I might try to catch some to use for trade, asked Deet.

I have nets that the Knapper and I used, she answered. Let me get them and I’ll show you how to set them. You know how to clean fish, don’t you? That’s the part I don’t like.

Of course, just because I don’t live by the sea doesn’t mean I didn’t learn how to clean a fish, answered Deet.

Yani pulled the nets out from under the sleeping bench at the back of her cliff shelter and gathered several baskets. I’ll help you get the nets set, then you’ll be on your own for a while. Once they’re set, you will have to gather driftwood for a fire while you wait for the tide to go out. When that happens, the fish get trapped in the nets, and it’ll be easy to catch them. Well, maybe not easy, but they have nowhere to go while you snatch them up and toss them in the baskets. It takes a couple of days to smoke them so they will keep through the winter and you need to keep the fire going that whole time, so it is a lot of work. Turning to him, she asked, Are you ready?

After they had the nets staked and set, Yani said, While you get the wood for your fire and watch your nets, I’m going to take Wolf and go to my flax field in the meadow. I’m thinking the seeds are probably ready to harvest. Hava told me to be sure to harvest before the plants could release the seeds, so I need to at least check on them today. If the seeds are ready, I will be gone most of the day. When the tide goes out, you just wade in and grab the fish. Once you get a firm hold on the slippery things, toss them into your baskets. You should get enough to fill all the baskets I brought down for you. The best place to clean them is at the base of the cliff where the spring makes the stream. Throw the guts to the gulls. Between the stream and the gulls, they’ll clean up the mess. I’ll be back in time to help if the flax isn’t ripe yet. If it’s ready, I’ll be back late in the day.

When she had the traveling pack on Wolf and the knife and twine she would need for her harvest, she started off to the meadow. As always, the steep climb up the trail to the top of the cliff was the hardest part. Once there, they started down the trail through the beech forest. The cool, moist air in the forest felt good after the stifling heat of the beach. It always amazed her how quiet it was in the forest after the constant sound of the ocean. The only sounds here were the rustle of the leaves in the wind and the occasional call of a bird.

When the trail opened into the meadow, the sunlight seemed too bright after the gloom of the woods. When she stepped into the light, she stopped to admire the bright colors of the flowers- the red poppies, bright blue chicory, and yellow buttercups. She and Wolf walked through the flower-strewn grasses to the spot