Summary

In “The Last Fire,” as autumn sets in, the birds head south. Trian wonders how they will survive without them. The rowan tree is one of the last signs of life “on the Plateau” (210). Meanwhile, Cormac worries about finishing the chapel, as he is still constructing the hut. He also worries about their food supplies. Trian and Cormac share their concerns with one another, realizing Artt will not bend.

Because there is little food and Artt makes him write constantly, Trian becomes increasingly tired and weak. Noticing his depleted state, Cormac tells Artt “Trian can’t keep going on so little food and sleep” (217).

Overcome by hunger one day while fishing, Trian eats sea snails and mussels. Then he discovers a baby seal stranded on shore. Though he feels sorry that it is trapped and its mother might soon return...