After a month of searching among Epidaii villages, Marcus is discouraged. The Epidaii have made a holy place wherever the Ancient People, the little Dark People, left a barrow. It seems he will never find the Eagle. Along the trail, they encounter an Epidaii Chieftain named Dergdian, who invites them to share his home for a few days. The Chieftain's toddler son has an eye infection, which Marcus cures. Marcus is careful not to offend the Chieftain's father, who dolefully predicts the boy will be blind. Grateful, Dergdian invites Marcus and Esca to attend the Feast of the New Spears in a few days. He reveals that his clan is the Seal People, the keepers of the Holy Place.
Marcus and Esca attend the festival, held at the.....
