Summary

In Book 2: "Resistance," Kidane observes Hirut and Aklilu working together. He mourns the close friendships he had with his men before the war. After receiving a message reporting his leader's abandonment, the emperor's failure to stop Mussolini's invasion, Kidane feels even more despairing. He knows he must continue fighting Fucelli.

In "Chorus," the narrator flashes back to Aster and Kidane's wedding night. After they have sex, Aster flees to her mother, Kidane left alone. Back in the present at the camp, Hirut and Aklilu grow closer. Minim joins and plays a song. They sing; Hirut feels free.

In "Chorus," in the second and first person, the narrator sings of Hirut and her people's coming struggles, a prophetic chorus that urges Hirut to become a soldier.

Kidane insists Hirut come to him. When she resists, he becomes aggressive. He holds her down and rapes...