Jean M. Auel

As Ayla studies to become a spiritual leader to Jondalar's people, the Zelandonii, she faces many challenges, including being separated from Jondalar and their young daughter, Jonayla, and experiences a revelation.

After their epic journey across Europe, Ayla and Jondalar have reached his home, the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, the old stone age settlement in the region known today as southwest France. Jondalar's family greet him warmly, but they are initially wary of the beautiful young woman he has brought back, with her strange accent and her tame wolf and horses.