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“…Accepted by Joharran, Brother of Jondalar and Leader of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, and by Marthona, Mother of Jondalar and former Leader of the Ninth Cave, Approved by Dalanar, Founder and Leader of the Lanzadonii, man of the hearth at Jondalar’s birth…”

Zelandonii continued naaining so , but Zelandoni wished there were h legitiht so feith her

“I choose her,” Jondalar was responding, facing Ayla

“Will you respect her, care for her when she is sick, provide for her when she is with child, and help provide for all of the children born to your hearth while you are living together?” Zelandoni intoned

“I will respect her, care for her, provide for her and her children,” Jondalar said

“And Ayla of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, forhter of the Mammoth Hearth, Chosen by the Spirit of the Cave Lion, Protected by the Cave Bear, Accepted by the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, do you choose Jondalar of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, Son of Marthona, for Master of the Zelandonii, born to the Hearth of Dalanar, Founder and Leader of the Lanzadonii” Zelandonii had decided to na a second recitation of all of the with most of the people there

“I choose hi at Jondalar Her words resounded in her head I choose hio, now I can finally choose him

“Will you respect him, care for him when he is sick, teach your children to respect hi the one Doni has already Blessed you with?” Zelandoni continued

“I will respect him, care for him, and teach my children to respect him,” Ayla s

aid

Zelandoniof this man to this woman?”

Marthona took a few steps forward “I, Marthona, former Leader of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, have the authority I agree to theof my son, Jondalar, with Ayla of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii,” she said

Then Willamar stepped forward “I, Willamar, Master Trader of the Zelandonii, ree to this reement wasn’t essential, but his inclusion in the cere of his n woman and made it easier to include Marthona’s for a step forward

“I, Dalanar, Founder and Leader of the Lanzadonii, ree to thisof Jondalar, the son of my former mate, with Ayla of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii, formerly Ayla of the Mamutoi”

Dalanar gave Ayla a look of appreciation that was so much like Jondalar’s, she almost smiled as she felt her body respond the same way It was not the first time Dalanar and Jondalar not only looked alike, except for the age difference, to Ayla they felt alike Then she couldn’t resist and smiled at the older ht from within, and for just a moment, he almost wished he could trade places with the son of his rin That boy knew just what he was feeling and couldn’t wait to tease hihed out loud