Chapter 14 Summary

The mammoth hunt is formally announced to the Clan. Everyone is excited and a little nervous, as well. A mammoth hunt is risky, as every able-bodied person is unable to fulfill their normal hunting and gathering activities for at least one month, with no guarantee that a mammoth will be killed. This can lead to a shortage of food during the winter months, but Brun decides to take the risk. In two years, there will be a Clan Gathering, which makes it necessary to stockpile provisions. If successful, a mammoth hunt would make that much easier.

It is decided that Ayla will go with the Clan on the mammoth hunt, and she is ecstatic. The day before they leave, Iza, who is too old to go on the mammoth hunt, gives Ayla her own medicine bag. Ayla understands the significance of this. She...