Chapter 18 Summary

The time of the Gathering is fast approaching, and the people of the village are beginning their preparations. Thomas has finished his work on the staff, and Kira has completed her work on the robe. Kira asks her cloth scrap for answers about Matt's whereabouts, but it gives her no answers, only comfort. She continues to visit Jo in the night, telling her jokes and stories. Jo tells Kira that when Jo is the Singer, she hopes she will be able to make up her own songs again.

Jamison reviews Kira's final work on the robe with great approval. He compliments her skill, and they sit and talk of the Gatherings of past years. Jamison recites brief passages of the Ruin Song, which he has heard many more times than Kira, and they speak of a scene on the robe which Kira found...