Book 4, What We Lost (pages 343-375) Summary

Before first light, everyone gathers at the edge of the village. They march into a field of elephant grass. The men lay the grass down with sticks, beating at it in unison. Men with bows and arrows go ahead while women and children follow carrying baskets. At a signal from Tata Ndu, the single file line curved to either side of the hill, forming a circle around the hill. The fire starters begin the fire with their torches. The women fan out, picking up dead insects. Mother stays with Ruth May and Adah.

The fire runs ahead. As the ring burns smaller and smaller, Adah catches sight of the other side. She sees the shapes of animals inside and watches as the arrows begin to fly at them. For every animal that falls...