Summary

In “The Cross,” Artt walks around the skellig, comparing it to scenes from the Bible. Everywhere he walks, he claims the land. He will make it a sanctuary for God and a refuge for himself. Desperate to make a sacrifice in gratitude, he kills an auk and smears himself with its blood.

While Artt is gone and Trian is exclaiming about the island, “Cormac’s head is crowded with practical concerns” (102). He cooks breakfast, berating himself for spilling the flour. Then he tells Trian a story his people used to love, knowing Artt would deem it “a heathen superstition” (104). While chatting, the men notice a nearby rowan tree, “known for warding off evil spirits” (105).

Artt resurfaces covered in blood. The men are surprised he killed the auk and wants to eat it. Artt insists God gave “man dominion over the fish...