Chapters 16-19 Summary

Chapter 16, as spring becomes summer, Ayla fights to keep her sadness at Whinney's leaving under control. Ayla gathers food for the coming winter while also helping Baby hone his new hunting skills. As the summer progresses, Baby begins going off on his own and his absences grow longer and longer. Ayla knows that Baby is looking for other lions and fighting to stake out his own territory. Ayla begins taking long walks across the steppes, exploring the areas around her valley. One day Ayla comes across a herd of horses and she recognizes Whinney among the mares. Ayla whistles for the horse, but another mare keeps Whinney from coming to her. Ayla turns around and begins the long walk back to the cave. Ayla comes across a dead horse and recognizes the stallion she saw mate with Whinney. Before Ayla can...