Summary

In "the destroyers," the community has established itself in the coastland, where they are in awe of its tremendous beauty. They name their community Anoa. They hear rumors of white men reaching other nearby communities, such as Poano. King Koranche, jealous of their attentions, deliberately courts white colonial powers until one day a ship of white men sails down the river towards their settlement. The white men come to land and Koranche goes to meet them. Despite rumors about the white men wanting to befriend them, an old woman claims that the men are “killers” and “monsters” who should not be welcomed into their community. While the people are stunned by Akole’s words, an elder silences her.

The men, dressed in metal, walk stiffly as they come down from their ship. The king goes into the ship...