Cave Bear Mountain

by Jo Sandhu

  ‘I wanted to be here.’ Kaija’s voice quavered with tears. ‘Without her.’ She scrubbed her cheeks fiercely. ‘I waited in the bushes until she had gone, then I came back.’ She laid her hand on the ground in a gentle gesture. ‘Did Luuka tell you? We have brothers, or sisters, lying here, and we never knew.’

  Her voice broke and Tarin pulled her towards him, letting her rest her head on his shoulder and weep. Even Utu murmured in comfort. Tarin had never seen sorrow overwhelm her like this, even when Luuka was taken captive by Boar Clan. She had been angry then, and frightened, but now her heart was breaking. Tarin wished there was something he could say to take away her pain, but there was just no time.

  ‘Kaija,’ he said gently. ‘We have trouble . . .’ And he told her what Vas had said.

  Kaija jumped to her feet. ‘No!’

  ‘It is just what Vas says, and it may not be true.’

  ‘But what if it is!’ Kaija clenched her fists. Her tears were gone. She would mourn her lost siblings later. ‘We have to find them.’

  They hurried back down to the pool. The Karvkh women were busy preparing a huge open cooking pit, and already fires were burning in a circle around the camp. Preparations for the Festival were underway. Tarin glanced towards the sky.

  ‘Two hours to sundown,’ he said. ‘Soon they’ll be bringing the bear out.’

  He felt a chill pass through him. That huge monster of a bear. The wolves wouldn’t stand a chance. Even wild wolves needed a whole pack to bring down prey of that size. What would Rohk and Nilkka do? They had never learnt to hunt and fight with their pack.

  ‘This way,’ Kaija said, studying the tracks in the soft earth, and Tarin hurried after her.

  The path followed the course of the waterfall as it tumbled downhill towards the river. The way was slippery and damp. Wet overhanging ferns brushed across their faces and tangled undergrowth clawed at their clothes. Kaija found another track and they turned to follow. This one circled around the camp, leading to a steep gully that was used as the camp midden.

  The wolves would have loved the smells, Tarin thought, but there was no sign of them or Sasha. They turned and tried a different way. They were cutting back near the camp when they finally found Luuka. His face was drawn and worried.

  ‘There’s no sign of them,’ he said. ‘They’re not in the camp – I’ve asked around and no one has seen them.’

  ‘Or they’re not telling us,’ Tarin said. He looked at the women and children preparing the feast and didn’t want to believe they would hide the wolves from them. ‘What about Sasha? He was last with them.’

  Luuka nodded. ‘I found him, but he said . . .’ He rubbed his face and glanced at Kaija. ‘He said Senja came to him and took the wolves.’

  ‘Senja!’ Tarin thought quickly. ‘She may have taken them somewhere safe.’

  Kaija shook her head and her eyes welled again. ‘No, she may not have. Oh, what is she doing?’

  They searched again, fearfully, urgently. They traced every track they could find. They asked the clan people again, but they just smiled and shook their heads. They sent Sasha running from the escarpment to the river and back. But there was no sign of Senja, the wolves, or Fredik and his men.

  ‘Is the cave bear still in the cave?’ Kaija asked.

  Tarin nodded. It had been the last place he checked, and the bear was alone.

  ‘Then we go there.’ Kaija hefted a spear in her hand. ‘We wait for them there, and they don’t get their bear until they give us back our wolves.’

  ‘Three of us against a whole clan?’ Tarin shook his head.

  ‘We can try,’ Luuka said. ‘What else can we do?’

  ‘There is only the one entrance to the cave, that is true,’ said a voice.

  ‘Vas!’ Tarin welcomed the trader. ‘Would you help us? You and the traders?’

  Vas shrugged his shoulders apologetically and Tarin’s hopes sank.

  ‘Even if my brother and our families were to stand with you, we are still so few, and we are a people of peace. We have no fearsome weapons like yours.’ His gaze rested on Kaija’s spear and spear thrower.

  ‘We won’t let them hurt our wolves,’ Luuka said. He ground his teeth together. ‘We may die trying, but we will defend our clan, and Rohk and Nilkka are Clan.’

  Vas nodded. ‘First, I think you should come with me. But –’ He stepped back into the shadows and pulled them with him. He lowered his voice. ‘Already the men come. See? They have painted their bodies in ochre and draped themselves in fur and claws. They dress as bears themselves and go now to the cave, to paint the walls and set their horde of bear bones into swirls and circles. Then, they will lead karhu out and the Festival will begin.’

  ‘We’re too late,’ Kaija gasped.

  ‘No,’ Vas said. ‘Come with me and something at least may be saved this day.’

  Vas led the way back to the kotas, Tarin, Luuka and Kaija reluctantly following him.

  Crouched miserably inside, her arms wrapped around her knees, was Senja.

  ‘I don’t want to talk to her.’ Kaija tried to back away, but Vas shook his head and pushed her towards her mother.

  ‘Your differences can wait,’ he said. ‘You want news of your Rohk and your Nilkka, do you not?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Tarin. He studied Senja closely. Now he could see the differences between her and Kaija and Luuka. They had the same fair hair, the same blue eyes, the same shape to the bones of their face – but where her children had strength, Senja had weakness.

  He tried not to hate her. She looked old and weary and miserable, huddled like she was, but she had hurt them. How did a mother do that to her own children? he wondered. And she had been the last one to see the wolves.

  Utu dug his claws into Tarin’s shoulder as though he felt the tension in the kota.

  ‘What have you done?’ Kaija pushed past him and knelt before her mother. She took her by the arms and shook her.

  ‘It is done, and that is that,’ Senja said. ‘You should leave here now.’

  ‘We’re not leaving without our Clan,’ Luuka shouted. ‘Where are they?’

  But Senja just shook her head. Vas sat by her and took her hands in his. She hung her head but he forced her to look at him.

  ‘Tell them, lyubi. Tell them what you have done.’ His voice was gentle and his eyes kind.

  ‘I cannot . . .’ Senja’s voice was a broken whisper. She dropped her head and tears fell to the ground. ‘Vas . . .’ She gripped his hands in hers and started trembling. ‘I cannot.’

  ‘Beloved, you can.’ Vas wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. ‘You are strong, remember that. You have lived through so much pain. Look now at your children and help them. They deserve that much.’

  Her trembling stopped and she took a deep shuddering breath. Tarin waited while Vas wiped the tears from her face. Time was so short . . . Already he could hear the sounds of people assembling. The men must have entered the cave, and soon they would lead the great bear out for his final feast.

  ‘Tell us what you have done, and quickly,’ Kaija said. Her hands clenched and unclenched.

  Senja finally looked at her daughter. ‘I gave your animals to Fredik,’ she said. ‘I told him: See, Father. I have a gift for you, and all you have to do is welcome me home.’ Her voice faltered.

  ‘And did he?’ Luuka asked.

  Senja’s gaze dropped before the coldness in her son’s face.

  ‘No.’

  Vas rubbed her hands, her arms, to bring her warmth, but Senja remained pale.

  ‘No. He told me . . . he said . . . I may remain, but I am a cursed woman. As payment for the wolves, he will give me food and shelter, but I am not to think of him as kin.’

  Kaija pressed her hands against her forehead in exasperation. ‘Why would you want to stay in such a place? When they are so cruel to you?’

  Senja shrugged sadly. ‘I have nowhere else to go.’

  ‘Do not say so, lyubi.’ Vas held her hand
to his lips.

  ‘This doesn’t help us!’ Kaija’s voice was tight with fear. ‘Where are Rohk and Nilkka?’

  ‘They are with Fredik. It is too late,’ Senja said.

  ‘No, it’s not,’ Kaija shouted. ‘We will find them.’

  Someone shook her sleeve, and she looked down to find Sasha had crept into the kota.

  ‘I know where they are,’ the boy said. ‘I watched and followed. I like watching and following. I am going to be the best tracker when I’m older. My father says that is true . . .’

  ‘Sasha child.’ Vas placed a finger over his son’s mouth. ‘Where are the wolves?’

  Sasha beamed. ‘Come and see. I will take you to them.’

  Fredik and the men were still in the cave.

  ‘They will give the bear sweet berries and tender roots,’ Vas said in a soft voice. ‘Then lead it carefully up the steps, one by one, all the time singing songs and giving treats, and poor karhu, poor honey paw, will go with them willingly, because all his life he has known only comfort and pleasure.’ He motioned to the boys. ‘You stay here while Kaija and I find your packs. We will meet back here to rescue your wolves, do not fear.’

  The sun was setting as the bear was led out of the cave, still tied by a rope around his neck. Tonight, the sky would darken for a short while, just long enough for the stars to shine. According to Vas, the bear would be sent to the Spirit World as First Light approached, but for now, the bear was happy to amble after his keepers. The women and children applauded and called him sweet names – Honey Eater, Rough Fur and Dark Eyes. Some of the braver young men rushed forward to touch the beast, who did nothing but turn sleepy eyes upon them and look for the next treat.

  Tarin, Luuka and Sasha crouched in the shadow of the rocks and watched.

  ‘The wolves are in the last hut,’ Sasha whispered. His eyes grew wide as the bear stood up to its full height. It towered over the men and rumbled deep in his throat when a treat wasn’t given. A young man darted forward, holding a tuber just out of reach. The bear lunged for it and his fur rippled like dark water.

  ‘I have never seen a Bear Festival before,’ Sasha said. ‘My father has. He says they can last all night, especially if the fight is a good one. Sometimes the bear kills the wolves fast, and sometimes the bear doesn’t want to fight at all, so they stick him with spears to make him angry. My father says it is to tire the bear out, so they can kill him. One time, my father saw the bear kill a man. He wrapped his arms around him and squeezed.’

  ‘Your father says you talk too much,’ Vas whispered as he came up behind them. ‘I have left Kaija with your packs. We can spare some food for you and we have filled your water flasks.’

  Luuka gripped Vas’s hand. ‘My thanks,’ he said. ‘Our thanks.’

  The bear roared and Fredik only just managed to dance away from its outstretched arms. He had darted in close to kiss the bear, to show his bravery as leader of the Karvkh.

  ‘Now is our chance. While the Ch’lam, the Spirit Keeper, blesses the bear,’ said Vas. ‘Then the young men must dress poor karhu in feathers and beads. When we hear the drums – that is when the procession shall start.’

  They bent low and followed Vas, darting from shadow to shadow. Behind them, cheers and gasps accompanied the men’s efforts to dress the bear. The fires flamed, the girls and women danced, and the men grew braver and braver. Pozhr was passed around in large flasks, making the men braver still. The bear became agitated, irritated by the light from the fires and the noises and the people running around him. Some started sticking sharp spears into his rump, and he growled and swung his huge, powerful arms wildly.

  The drums started as they reached the huts. The sound of bone on bone filled the air.

  ‘Rohk! Nilkka!’ Luuka called softly to the wolves. An answering yelp and furious scratching came from the last hut, a tiny lean-to wedged between two large rocks. The noise of the wolves increased and Tarin glanced towards the festival, but no one could hear them above the roaring bear and the pounding drums. As he watched, the bear swiped at one of the men, raking his claws down his arm. The man screamed as his blood flowed. Other men jumped forward with flaming torches to wave in the confused bear’s face while their injured kin was dragged away.

  Luuka slashed the rope tie around the hut’s door and the wolves yelped and cried as they entered. ‘They’re tied up,’ Luuka said, and cut Nilkka free. She jumped all over him, licking his face and whimpering. ‘Sasha, hold her for me while I free Rohk.’

  But as he cut Rohk’s bindings, Fredik let out a mighty bellow. Rohk snarled and launched himself past them, towards Fredik and the men with their flaming torches.

  Kaija paced up and down by the rock sentinels. The bear skulls stared silently at her, and she wished she was brave enough to climb up and turn the skulls around.

  She tried to look the other way, but that was worse. She started imagining the skulls creeping soundlessly towards her. She swung back towards them just as the cave bear roared in pain. She jumped and stared towards the camp.

  Where were they? What if something had gone wrong?

  She took a couple of steps, then forced herself to stop. Vas had said she must wait here with their packs, and that’s what she would do. She trusted Luuka and Tarin to rescue the wolves. From his perch on Tarin’s pack, Utu hissed at her and fluffed his wings crossly.

  ‘I know, Utu. I’m just worried. What if something is wrong?’

  Utu chirruped and snapped at a night bug. It crunched between his beak and Kaija shivered.

  The bear roared again. It sounded angry. Then a man screamed. Kaija hesitated. What if that was Luuka, or Tarin, or Vas?

  In the short time she had known him, she had become fond of Vas, and Sasha. She hoped her mother would go with him when the traders left. She shivered again and rubbed her arms as she paced up and down. She was angry with her mother, but she couldn’t stand the thought of her living the rest of her life here, hated and despised, amongst these strange people.

  Then she heard Rohk howl and snarl. Utu flapped his wings and screeched. The cry of the bear thundered through the forest.

  And Kaija left all her good intentions behind and ran as fast as she could towards the Karvkh camp.

  ‘Rohk! No!’ Tarin and Luuka tore after the wolf, fear driving them.

  Rohk bared his teeth and snarled. He snapped at a flame waved in his face. All the fur along his back stood on end as he faced Fredik. He lifted his head, and howled, a full-blooded, full-grown wolf howl that sent shivers down Tarin’s spine. All the wolf traits and instincts that had been bred into Rohk matured and crystallised as he faced his enemy. His hind legs bunched beneath him and he leapt for Fredik’s throat.

  But the man was a canny fighter, and he danced aside, swinging his staff towards the wolf. It was only a glancing blow, but Rohk landed heavily and shook his head. He snarled again, preparing another attack, but the men had him surrounded. They waved flaming torches and advanced towards him. The fire confused the wolf, and though he snapped and snarled, the circle around him grew tighter.

  Tarin and Luuka rushed to protect him, but there was little they could do against so many.

  ‘Herd the wolf this way,’ Fredik shouted. He jabbed a spear hard into the bear’s rump and it came away red with blood. ‘And the brats also if they persist.’

  The men shouted and waved the flames and Rohk backed helplessly towards the enraged bear. The bear didn’t know what was happening. His life of comfort had gone. He was hungry, he was hurt, and he was confused. Every time he tried to back away from the fires, another spear was stuck into him. Finally, the bear had had enough. It reared up on its hind legs and bellowed. The men holding the rope restraints were swept off their feet and the women and children ran screaming. The huge beast swung around, searching for a way to stop the pain. Dagger sharp claws ripped a man open and he fell at the bear’s feet. He was still alive as the bear lumbered over him.

  ‘Kill the bear, and then the wolf,’
Fredik shouted. ‘We cannot wait for First Light.’

  ‘No! Tell your men to stop!’ Kaija rushed from the darkness, gripping her spear. She leapt on Fredik, and pressed the tip into his throat. ‘Tell them to stop.’

  Fredik hesitated. The spear, with one of Kai’s bone tips, pressed deeper, drawing blood. ‘I could snap you in two, girl.’

  ‘And I could cut your throat!’

  ‘Do not think of harming my sister.’ Luuka stepped forward. His spear thrower was set and ready to cast. It was aimed straight at the Karvkh leader. ‘I am very accurate with this thrower, and you will be dead.’

  Fredik hesitated only a moment longer, then he nodded to his men. They backed away from Rohk, and Tarin ran for the wolf. Rohk still snarled, but he stayed by Tarin’s side.

  But the bear was beyond stopping. All it knew now was pain. It swung around, still searching for escape. It lumbered through one of the fires. More pain blazed, and it lashed out, spreading the flames, knocking one fire into another. The decorative wreath of owl and eagle feathers wrapped around its huge body smouldered, spreading smoke and cinders. A hut caught alight. Then another. People ran screaming and crying.

  Distracted by the chaos, Kaija was unprepared when Fredik caught her by the arm. He twisted, and threw her to the ground, diving away before Luuka could cast his spear, but not quick enough to avoid Utu raking his face with his sharp talons.

  ‘Luuka, the fire! We have to help them,’ Kaija said with a gasp. The fall had knocked the breath out of her but she wasn’t hurt.

  ‘The men have the bear cornered,’ Tarin said. ‘It won’t last much longer.’

  But the injured bear still fought savagely for his life. He broke free from the circle of men, pushing them aside as though they were blades of grass. It lumbered toward Tarin, who could only stand and stare in horror as the beast raised itself to its full height and roared at him.