Chapter 5 Summary

When the council resumes, they bring with them a large box containing the Singer's robe, a ceremonial vestment worn only once a year at the singing of the Ruin Song, the lengthy oral history of Kira's people. Jamison questions Kira about her skills and the training that she received from her mother.

Kira learns that the woman who trained her mother in the arts of cloth craft, Annabella, still lives and might be called upon to teach Kira about dyes. Vandara, sensing that the proceeding now favors Kira, requests that a decision be rendered immediately. The Guardian Council decrees that Kira will remain with them and take on the role previously served by Kira's mother, the tending of the Singer's robe. She will maintain and complete the decoration of the unfinished robe. They inform Vandara that she may take possession of Kira's land...