Chapters 23-26 Summary

In chapter 23, Jondalar is deeply attracted to Ayla and has trouble hiding it. When Jondalar touches Ayla and she pulls away, he tries to hide his desire by expressing it in private. Ayla is aware of what he has done, however, and is offended by the idea that he does not find her attractive. To distract Ayla and himself, Jondalar asks to ride Whinney. Afterward they return to the cave where Jondalar tries to apologize for hurting Ayla's feelings. Ayla tells him that he made her feel undesirable and this leads to a discussion about the customs of the Clan. Finally Ayla is able to tell Jondalar about her past, about Broud's repeated rapes and the birth of her son. When Jondalar realizes Ayla's Clan is the flatheads, he is disgusted. Jondalar calls the flatheads animals, causing Ayla to become angry...