Part 1, Chapter 9 Summary

Orual feigns weakness to avoid being put back to work in the Pillar Room as she plans her difficult trip to the Tree. As she has never learned to ride, she must go on foot, which will take at least eight hours; allowing two more to perform her work and six for the trip home, Orual realizes she must spend a night on the Mountain, which means packing food and warm clothing. She wants to put it off as long as possible, because she sees nothing to do in the world once it is accomplished. She is dejected during endless days.

One day, Orual slips out sluggishly and is hailed by Bardia, who admits he has often felt such sorrows but cured it by going to war. He offers to train her in sword fighting, assuring her she has a natural...