by Laura Jack
It was near sunset when the tree finally succumbed and fell. A loud crack and the mighty oak shook the very earth as it fell. Strangely, the hunters and the boys felt a lump in their throats, the same lump they got when a loved one died, or they had killed an animal. It was as if the spirit of the tree had passed through them and they needed to acknowledge its death. Its long life deserved respect and recognition. Felmas picked an acorn from amongst its branches and buried it near the base of the tree stump.
“We’ll leave stripping the branches till tomorrow. Then the real work starts.” Said Felmas. The boys looked puzzled, not to mention crestfallen.
“Splitting the wood and hollowing out the trunk,” explained Felmas. “We’ll camp by the lake tonight. Brinan, Callom, you can both collect some wood.”
Brinan groaned, even on an expedition they were stuck with the same chores. Over the next three days they worked on the boat. Both boys grew in mind and body over these days. The work was hard but the company was good and they learned a lot from the men. At least after stripping the tree of its branches they were never short of firewood.
Felmas showed them how to split planks from the top half of the remaining section. The bottom half was then hollowed out, first by fire to make the job easier then with adzes and a lot of sweat and splinters. Felmas explained it was fashioned on something he had seen called a canoe but he wanted to make a bigger scaled version of it. Brinan forgot about hunting and threw himself into the project.
On the fourth day the weather finally broke. As if in revenge for the long, dry autumn. the deluge of rain that fell soaked through them in seconds, a cold wind followed behind, further dampening their spirits.
“It’s no use,” Felmas said finally, throwing down his tools. “We’ll have to turn it over to keep out the rain. We’ll leave it here, and take it down the rest of the way in Spring. It’s unlikely we’ll get back before then. Pack up everyone, we need to get across that river before it runs too high.
On returning to the home cave. The men discussed how much they were looking forward to some fishing on the lake in the summer. It was this thought that would get Callom through the wettest weather they had ever seen. Later that evening, Ruban, Matina and Serena reported to Brinan that the cave had been tidied, all values stashed and the door reinforced by putting back some of the blackberry canes that were still growing around it.
“That was my idea.” Ruban announced trying to get some praise from Brinan but failing.
The storm that spoilt the boat building expedition was only the first of many. More than once, Arguus voiced how grateful he was that they had done so much more hunting and foraging this year as the Clan found themselves confined to the cave as autumn leaked into winter. Although they couldn’t get up to their secret cave, Brinan and the others made plans on a daily basis for what they would do there in Spring.
Serena was the only one enjoying the enforced confinement; it meant her training with Tamo began in earnest. In spite of her promise to her mother, she took every opportunity to get out of daily chores to visit with Tamo at his hearth.
When the weather finally cleared, it was Jonan who suggested a boar hunt. Although the Clan was stocked up with meat, a change in diet was always appreciated. Who knew how long the weather would stay clear. To Brinan’s delight, he was invited along as well.
“What about Callom?” He asked. Arguus looked at Juno and Yorak. They nodded their agreement. The smile that split open on Callom’s face stayed there all morning as the hunters gathered around Arguus’s hearth to discuss a way to the hunt the large wild pigs.
“There’s a family of boar living in the forest a days walk down the valley. I passed through their territory on my way home,” Felmas said.
“Is it worth it?” Asked Arguus, “they have the cover of the forest and if you do corner one they can be nasty.”
“They may be small but they are fast,” added Dovan, “and vicious - especially the males.”
“It’s a pity we couldn’t snare them.” Said Callum, realising too late he’d said it out loud instead of in his head. It brought a ripple of laughter from the men. Callom reddened. Felmas, who was busy making a net for the new boat noticed his nephew’s discomfort.
“You know,” he said lightly, not looking up from his work, “that might just be possible.” This time the men snorted derisively.
“In fact,” added Felmus, squashing them. “It gives me an idea.” He carried on with his net. Only Callom knew he was thinking his idea through. The hunters waited impatiently, for Felmas to explain.
“Which is?” Dovan asked exasperated. Felmas would not be rushed. He finished his net, folding it up neatly, then picked up a digging stick and wiped clear an area of dust around the hearth. Felmas had a plan. The men gathered around and the boys peered over his shoulder watching eagerly. For the first time they would see a hunt plan drawn up as participants rather than mere onlookers.
“The boys’ idea for a hanging snare is perhaps not strong enough to catch a boar, but with a little adaptation it could be.” Felmas drew the snare. “This,” he said, pointing to the bent sapling. “would have to be a lot bigger than the sapling used for the rabbit. The problem would be that you can’t bend it.”
The men nodded, that much was obvious.
“So why not use two saplings?” Felmas drew another one in the dirt.
There was a buzz of hope, but then . . .
“A boar is not a rabbit, or a fox. It does not have regular runs, how can we be sure it would go through the loop,” Arguus said.
“We don’t use a loop.” Stated Felmas quietly. “We use this.” He picked up his net and cast it on the ground. At once, the others got the idea. “Take this bit of rope, Callom, hold it high and on my word pull it up as hard and fast as you can. Brinan would you do me the honour of being the prey and get onto the net. Now down on all fours like a pig. Brinan felt silly but did as he was told.”
Felmas held up another end of the rope and nodding to Callom said; “On three, pull! One, two, three!” As Callom and Felmas pulled on each end the net it closed up around Brinan. The hunters applauded.
“Remember,” added Felmas convincing them further. “That as the saplings spring up the boar will be lifted off the ground in the net, unable to run; you will just need to finish it with a spear.”
“How do we get it onto the net in the first place?” Asked Brinan.
“Remember the salt we used for the horse hunt? This time we use apples.”
“Aaah,” said the others in unison, also remembering the horse hunt that summer.
The following morning they set off for the forest and reached the boar’s territory as the sun was just beginning to drop. The men worked fast, setting up the trap. It was hot work in their heavy parkas. Most of them sported new garments made from reindeer or bison skins.
“Look here,” Yorak showed the boys. “Boar tracks. See, they have cloven hooves like an aurochs but much smaller and they are softer. Over here, you can see where they have rolled in the mud. See how the tracks are different sizes, how many would you say were here?”
The boys studied the tracks, consulted each other, and then announced;
“Eleven - four adults, seven half grown ones.”
“Well done.” He studied the surrounding vegetation and picked a few bristles out of a tree trunk. “Someone’s had an itch.” He smiled, “There’s a good chance they will return here again tonight.”
When the trap was set, the boys were briefed on what they had to do. Everyone was to hide near the clearing. Argus and Dovan would be up in a tree and cut the ropes. The boys hid in some nearby bushes while the rest of the hunters scattered the food about, setting a trail from the stream where they believed the boars would come past. they included the scraps from some venison. Boar were omnivorous and the scent would attract them. Then they hid - well away from the trap.
“Make it quick; go for the eye to kill it outright or the throat to severe an artery.” Hisse
d Arguus as a final bit of advice. His voice seemed disjointed from his body as Brinan could see nothing of him but the whites of his eyes, then they too disappeared.
They had a long wait. So long, that Arguus almost called it off. The sun dropped behind the trees plunging the forest into near darkness, but their eyes quickly adjusted. From his hiding place, Brinan tried to shift his weight, he had cramp in both legs, and a chill was setting in his bones. Arguus made to stand up but froze immediately as a rustling in the undergrowth caught his attention. Their patience had paid off – the wild pigs had returned. Snuffling along the forest floor, a large boar made his way into the clearing. Shortly behind him, the rest of his clan followed. A female and seven half grown youngsters. Taking up the rear were two smaller adults, probably females.
The animals hesitated, smelling the scent of humans, but their greed got the better of them as the delectable scent of bruised apples and raw meat enticed them towards the net. The largest of the youngster climbed onto the net and gorged on the apples.
It didn’t stay there long however, as the adult male shoved it out of the way with an angry snort. He would pay dearly for his gluttony. Arguus signalled and dropped his axe on the rope at the same moment; Dovan dropped his on the other rope. The saplings snapped back and the boar, suspended in the net, squealed with shock and fury. For a moment, there was a commotion as the boys rushed towards the net just as the females and youngsters scattered, squealing in panic.
Callom tripped over one of the young piglets and in the same moment heard an all too familiar crack. The saplings couldn’t hold the weight of the large boar and one had splintered. The net partially lay on the ground, giving the boar an opportunity to escape.
“Kill it quick!” Yelled Callom to Brinan. Brinan had reached the boar, its tusks looked deadly and the whites of its eyes showed a mixture of fear and rage – a deadly combination. He raised his spear and hesitated. Aim for the eye, he told himself, no, an artery but try as he might his arm would not do as his brain would tell him. The boar, sensing his hesitation, made a fresh burst for freedom. It was on the verge of escaping. Brinan snapped himself out of his paralysed state and found the courage to raise his spear for the kill but in that moment another spear was driven into the eye of the boar, ending its life in a moment.
“Sorry,” Callum whispered. “I had to do it - I thought it was going to get away.”
Brinan was deflated. He stepped back as Arguus and Dovan jumped down from the tree, and bear hugged Callum while shouting for the others. “He’s done it! Callom’s made his first kill.” Announced Dovan. “Felmus, your trap has worked!”
Everyone was too elated by the success of the hunt to notice Brinan’s reaction. He got a perfunctory bear hug from Felmus and Jonan when they arrived at the clearing, but all attention was on Callom who stood in a happy daze holding his bloodied spear. Brinan watched on and felt like crying but held it in. He had failed again.
10 First Snow
Both Arguus and Jonan had a quiet word with Brinan the next morning.
“Do not feel shame, we have all heard the pleading of an animal’s spirit when it’s about to be killed. Every hunter feels it Brinan.” Explained Jonan.
“It was Callom’s turn yesterday,” volunteered Arguus. “Maybe your spirit guide held you back so he could make his first kill.” Brinan only nodded to shut them up. Callom’s turn was not the reason and he knew it . . . nursing his bruised ego he decided to take Luma for a walk.
“Luma, come!” Loyally, the young wolf was at his side before he had reached the entrance to the cave. Brinan took her out on his own, shunning the company of Callom and Serena. At least Luma didn’t look on him with pity. It was a bright, cold day. Luma raced on ahead. Brinan had his haversack with food, water and his spear with him. He had no real plan, he just wanted time alone. He travelled up to the small cave then carried on past it heading north-west into the hills; it wouldn’t harm to scout for herds. He had overheard Arguus say they had plenty of meat stored but another hunt would give him peace of mind. Brinan half hoped to spot a herd of mammoth, but they were rare in Wolf Clan territory now. Tamo had said that the seasons weren’t cold enough any more and if they wanted mammoth they would have to travel north east to the great glacier to find any.
One day, he promised himself, I will make the journey and hunt mammoth. He did spot a herd of reindeer, migrating south to winter in the more temperate lands; they were too far too many for him to hunt on his own. He would let Arguus know; perhaps he could join in the hunt and make a decent kill. He was so engrossed in visualising his success that he didn’t notice the snow coming, but he smelt it before he saw it. A sharp smell - that was more a tingling sensation inside his nose than an actual smell.
“Come on Luma, we’d better head back.” Brinan eyed the dark grey clouds warily, realising his danger. At a steady jog, he ran back to the cave, followed by the young wolf. A few flakes fell, swirling around like feathers, and then a warming gust brought a flurry of heavier snow. Brinan quickened his pace, glad that he wasn’t too far from the cave. As the granite clouds dropped so low that they touched the trees, he had to resort to Luma’s keen sense of smell to find their way back as the trail was lost under a blanket of snow.
He passed by the small cave and into the shelter of the trees, here he could find the path again, and it didn’t take long to get back to the main cave. His arrival brought a nod of greeting from Arguus, “Good, you’re home.” He didn’t add that he was in the process of getting a group together to go and look for him. Deema made her way towards him but at an imperceptible shake of the head from Arguus, she veered off on some feigned errand.
“It’s bad out there, I saw a herd of reindeer in the high country, but they’ll be gone before this storm blows over I think.” Brinan volunteered. “I lost the trail when the snow came down, but Luma helped me find my way back.”
“She has her uses then,” replied Arguus.
“She’ll have many more when I’m through training her.” Brinan replied confidently. He had some ideas about training Luma, but wanted to keep them to himself, for now.
“I’ve no doubt she will,” smiled Arguus. Yesterday’s hunt was history and was never brought up again. It served no purpose to dwell on failures and the need for survival demanded forward thinking and planning. Deema beckoned Brinan over to the communal cooking hearth and handed him a cup of hot broth. She put down a bowl for Luma as well. They sat down together, joined by Arguus. They were soon joined by others as the smell of the broth permeated the cave.
“Pity about that herd you saw,” Arguus said. “Still, once this storm is over there is usually a dry period before the blizzards are constant. Plenty more herds will pass, that’s why this cave is such a good site.”
“A good aurochs herd would be ideal,” Deema said. “Apart from bison, it’s my favourite meat and the hides are substantial. I was thinking that now Brinan and Callom are hunting they could use a couple of ground tents for travelling.” The smile that Brinan gave her was worth a thousand Aurochs.
“You’ll need to make one for Serena too,” Tamo added. “I plan to take her with me to watch the winter solstice for the Winter Festival.”
“The winter solstice?” Serena asked feeling a knot of anxiety in her stomach, it sounded esoteric and a little scary.
“It’s an crucial part of your training. We have to watch the sunsets until the sun sets at the shortest distance then it starts to set further west each day, as the days grow longer - that’s how a Shaman knows it’s mid winter. We can study the stars too. If you’re lucky, we might even see the Northern Lights. Three days after the shortest sunset is the winter festival.” Tamo explained, “And we can’t miss that, can we!”
Everyone laughed. The midwinter festival was a favourite of the children. A great feast was held and it was believed Magda sent a benevolent spirit, representing joy and bounty, to let them know that they have not been deserted and that spring will come in time. As a token
of her promise, children are given gifts from their parents and adults exchange gifts with each other. As well as being a deeply spiritual occasion it served as an opportunity to distribute skills and wealth among the Wolf Clan.
“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to take the boys along,” said Felmas. “They will need to understand the map of the stars and sunsets for navigation. I’d be happy to keep you company.”
“Will we have to go far?” Serena asked in a quiet voice, thinking how much she would prefer not to be out in the cold, dark nights.
“No, just outside on the ledge overlooking the lake. There’s a rock overhang for shelter but we get an uninterrupted view of the sunset to the west. You’re not having second thoughts about training are you?”
“No,” Squeaked Serena and meant it. “It’s just not something I knew about.” She privately wondered what else she would have to do that she didn’t know about. If only all she had to do was draw pictures, create art … let everyone else deal with the practicalities of mapping the sky and watching sunsets.
A moon cycle later, her fears were put to rest. The excursion to the lake gave the three youngsters an insight into nature’s calendar. Both Felmas and Tamo kept them entertained with stories about the stars and the cycles of the moon. They were a fun way to remember the important facts. They ended the excursion with a promise to continue watching the stars, which Felmas said, were constantly travelling across the sky and if they wanted to navigate across barren featureless tundra, they were an invaluable guide.
He told them of a Clan to the far south that used them to navigate across a great inland sea. Of the three, Callom was the quickest to learn, Serena found it was easier to remember if she drew the stars on birch bark, she linked them up into shapes as a further aid to remembering them. Brinan was intrigued by the moon cycles and how they were linked to hunting seasons. Each of the thirteen moons was named after an animal, bird, or fish in Magdalene legends.