Chapter 3 Summary

A messenger arrives at dawn, directing Kira to meet the Council of Guardians at midmorning. Kira washes and grooms herself and then proceeds to the Council Edifice to learn her fate. The Edifice is an ancient building that resembles a modern-day church and serves as the headquarters for the Council of Guardians.

Kira arrives at the Edifice and enters the hearing chamber, where she stands before the twelve men of the council, the protectors and administrators of her village. She remembers and performs some elements of ceremony from watching other events in the past, and she is relieved to note that the council nods in approval.

Vandara soon joins the proceeding and stands as Kira's accuser. Unlike Kira, Vandara is dirty and barefooted, having made no special effort to impress the council. Vandara is permitted to speak first, and she makes her bitter...