Hobbes Leviathian

In "The Leviathan" by Hobbes he first starts of describing men to be equal. However, on pg 54 he then begins to describe men without a common power are in a condition of war. This condition of war is said to be every man for himself and he will prevail only with his own abilities. He then begins to describe how out of fear for his life a man will seek a companion for his travels. This would mean that these men have come into a condition of peace where there is no common power and do not find themselves defending themselves against eachother. My question is if in a time of absence of a common power, how is it possible in Hobbes's logic that two men could join forces in order to increase their strength when traveling?