Chapter 13, War at my Door Summary and Analysis

In the face of a sudden outbreak of violence between the tribes of Haenam and Kamur, Richardson tries to make peace with the limited language skills he possesses. He describes the attack of bows and arrows, in which more experienced fighters shoot directly into the crowd. No attempt to hide in the landscape is made. Younger fighters, mostly young boys, fire arrows in a high arc that rains down on the enemy from above. Should a man suffer a hit, all the shooters concentrate on bringing him down.

The reality of the situation hits Richardson. He stops himself from quick action, as some internal voice reminds him that his death also kills the Christian influence for the Sawi everywhere, at least at the present time. Yet he pushes this voice aside, overcome by...