Chapters 8-12 Summary

In Chapter 8, Bird returns to the City. Arriving at the Black Dragon House he finds Madrone in bed. She wakes and thinks she is seeing his ghost. He reassures her that he is alive but she in turn has to tell him the long list of those who have died since he has been gone. He goes to greet Maya, who also thinks he has returned to her as a spirit. Madrone and Bird rekindle their sexual relationship. As his lover and as a healer, Madrone can sense the deep wounds that Bird has experienced, both physically and emotionally. The chapter ends with a rainstorm and the city dwellers take to the streets to celebrate.

Chapter 9 continues the story of Bird's homecoming and his struggle to adjust. Wanting to be useful, he starts to work on the chores that have been...