Chapter 6 Summary

People in town as well as the fishermen nearby live in fear of barbarian attacks. The magistrate advises everybody to grow root vegetables that can survive winter while new wells are being built. Children gather shallows that are smoked and packed. Helmets placed alongside the rampart simulate the presence of soldiers. Children, who pass by every now and then move them as if the soldiers also moved. With three men guarding the town, the magistrate assumes the leadership in town along with legal administration. No one wants to gather wood after the fishermen claim to have seen the barbarians nearby.

Colonel Joll arrives in a carriage with several men to get food and horses. They only find empty stables. The magistrate is unable to maintain his calm seeing Joll, who only stares at him. Joll leaves as people throw stones at his carriage...