Chapter 7 Summary

Henderson is touched when the Arnewi people celebrate his wrestling victory. Itelo takes him to meet his aunt, Willatale, the queen, and her sister Mtalba. Willatale greets Henderson by pressing his hand between her breasts and laughing and smiling, and Henderson is very impressed with the sense of stability and good nature she exudes. Henderson pledges to Willatale that he will rid the water of frogs, and gives her a gift of a plastic raincoat brought for the purpose. He also gives Mtalba, who is overweight and pampered-looking, a gift and she tells him she admires him. Willatale pulls Henderson to her belly and he believes he makes contact with some power there.

Itelo explains that Mtalba and Willatale are women of Bittahness, which means they are persons of great substance, revered above all others. Willatale asks Henderson, though translators, who he is...