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Everyone turned to look at Ayla Most of them had heard about the injured lion cub she had taken in and raised until he was full grown When Jondalar told them the lion did what she told him the way the wolf did, they believed it

“What do you think, Ayla?” Joharran asked

“Do you see how the lions are watching us? It’s the sa at theht surprise thee,” Ayla said, then paused “I think we should stay together in a group and walk toward the loudly perhaps, and see if they back off But keep our spears ready, in case one or o after them”

“Just approach them head-on?” Rushemar asked, with a frown

“It ether, we can watch out for each other”

“It seeood plan, Joharran,” Jondalar said

“I suppose it’s as good as any, and I like the idea of staying together and watching out for each other,” the leader said

“I’ll go first,” Jondalar said He held up his spear, already on his spear-thrower ready to launch “I can get a spear off fast with this”

“I’et closer so we can all feel comfortable with our aim,” Joharran said

“Of course,” Jondalar said, “and Ayla is going to be a backup forunexpected happens”

“That’s good,” Joharran said “We all need a partner, someone to be a backup for the ones who throw first, in case theyaway The partners can decide ill cast first, but it will cause less confusion if everyone waits for a signal before anyone throws”

“What kind of signal?” Rushemar asked

Joharran paused, then said, “Watch Jondalar Wait until he throws That can be our signal”

“I’ll be your partner, Joharran,” Rushemar volunteered

The leader nodded