I used to be afraid of the Monster. I was sure it was coming up Yuna Canyon and into Tuliyani. But Mother said no, it belonged to the saldu and never left the river-valley. (Chapter 1)

Grandmother told Tushi it was my father who gave Mother the name Wakara—Full Moon—because, he said, she moves in quietness as does the moon. When my father was here, I think she smiled more. (Chapter 1)

About the saldu: they do not have a Harvest Feast because those who take the food of others without asking and without courtesy, do not give thanks for it. (Chapter 1)

The feast was eaten out of doors: fresh deer liver; stew of elk; duck and geese broiled on sticks and sprinkled with black salt which came from a nearby meadow; fresh grapes and hazelnuts. (Chapter 1)

Kaltsuna taught these first people to flake arrowheads, to make bows and harpoons, and to build houses... (Chapter 1)