Book 8 Summary

While it rained outside, Azaro's father slept. The beggars made halfhearted attempts to pick up the garbage. Azaro's mother rationed the food more tightly. His father did not see the political quarrels outside, or the visitors who came to see him. He was "redreaming" the world, trying and trying again to make it right. Azaro would follow him sometimes into his dreams; Azaro's father couldn't see all the other dreamers in there with him, he thought he was alone. Azaro's mother preyed while his father ranged farther out into other realms. He lived out whole lives in other lands.

Meanwhile, Madame Koto grew more powerful. She bought up land and spoke of turning her bar into a hotel. Her dreams began to affect the energy of the villagers. Azaro understood that as his father fought for fairness, Madame Koto fought for power. The...