Summary

Chapter 20 is titled “Maurinda.” An older woman named Maurinda is watching after her grandchildren when Lucien comes by. By now, Lucien believes that Dolssa is following the path of a river. Maurinda says she has not seen the young woman, but that everyone, sooner or later, is drawn to the river, though “the only thing that draws the river is the sea” (153). Lucien realizes that the sea could hold the key to finding Dolssa.

Chapter 21 is “Botille.” Botille takes some food next door to Lisette's house. Botille holds the fussy baby while Lisette eats a little. The baby never stops crying. Botille returns to the tavern and begins to prepare a bath for Dolssa. They close the tavern and help Dolssa. They find that her feet are infected from walking so long and tend her wounds. Dolssa fears they are going to expect...