Chapter 21, "The Passing Song" Summary

It is freezing that winter, although Granpa says such winters are nature's way of cleaning things up and making things grow better. When Little Tree turns seven in summer, Granma gives him his parents' marriage stick. One day that fall, Willow John doesn't show up to meet them before church, which worries them. The next day Granpa and Little Tree set off to find him. They climb a trail up a mountain to his lodge. The hounds whine, which is not a good sign. When they enter the one-room lodge they find Willow John lying naked on a bed of deer hides. Granpa whispers his name. Willow John opens his eyes and says he knew they would come, so he waited.

Granpa lights a fire and makes a broth for Willow John. Little Tree covers him with...