Chapter 17 Summary

Ayla is back, and everyone is overjoyed. Brun and Creb are planning a ceremony, although none of the other Clan members know what kind of ceremony. They alltry to show Ayla that they are happy she has returned.

The following day, Ayla is brought to the ceremonial cave. For the first time in Clan history, a woman is allowed to partake in a ceremony. Ayla is surprised. Creb invokes the ancient spirits that guarded female hunters before females became unable to hunt. Then, incredibly, Brun grants her the status of "Woman who Hunts," explaining that her totem ordained it by protecting her during her death curse. She is allowed to hunt with the sling only, but is officially a hunter.

Chapter 17 Analysis

All the hunters seem satisfied with the ceremony, except Broud. He hates Ayla more than ever, and hates Brun for the...