Summary

In Chapter 7, which returns to the second person point of view, Ykka allows Maxixe and his followers into the group because they can contribute extra supplies and are familiar with the area. Essun continues to be haunted by her desire to go after Nassun. Hoa has told her that he believes Nassun intends to open the Obelisk Gate. Essun is immediately afraid for Nassun because she knows that much power will kill her daughter. Hoa also shares that the stone eater whom Essun called Gray Man has attached himself to Nassun. Essun gets angry because she realizes the stone eater is manipulating Nassun to get what he wants from her. She directs her anger at Hoa and accuses him of manipulating her as well. When she asks him to take her back to camp, he tells her that she needs to know one...