Chapters 20-22 Summary

In chapter 20, Jondalar wonders if Ayla is a donii. Jondalar has never seen a woman with such an intimate relationship with a horse before, or any animal. Jondalar asks her how she does it, but Ayla does not understand his language. Ayla tries to communicate, but Jondalar does not interpret her gestures and grunts as a language. When his amazement abates, Jondalar realizes Thonolan is not there in the cave with them. Jondalar knows what this means and he begins to cry. Ayla holds him, offering the only comfort she can. Ayla provides for Jondalar's needs throughout the day and they develop a clumsy way of communicating. Ayla is fascinated by Jondalar's way of expressing himself, recalling that Creb once told her that she made noises like that when they first found her. Ayla is able to tell Jondalar her name...