Chapters 21 to 24 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 21 begins with a woman signing in a somber tone, describing an ancient tale of beauty and duty and the chimes. The song describes how if the bells are called three times, death comes calling. The chimes demand a soul. The song ends and the guests clap. The song came from Joseph Ander and it was cherished for that reason. Dalton once tried to find more information on the meaning of the song, but could not find anything that revealed the intent. The song was used on special occasions, but Dalton felt like the words meant more this time than when he previously heard it.

The woman's sleeves skimmed the floor and she bowed. Her sleeves had owl feathers on them and she looked like a winged woman when she sang.

Stein applauded apathetically and Teresa admired the singer...