Chapter Five Summary

After a heated discussion, Davey leaves home. Owen speaks up without permission, and defiantly vows to always speak up when there is injustice. Owen and Gwilym both announce they are leaving home, and Gwilym renounces all three as no longer being his sons. Beth cries, but Gwilym is the supreme authority of the household, and he knows that tears are a woman's last refuge. Huw's sister, Angharad wants to join the boys, but is threatened by her mother with physical punishment.

Huw and his father walk together regularly in nature; Huw feels it would have helped if his father had walked with the other boys. Huw learns to catch trout with his hands, and remembers the green, fragrant beauty of his world back then. He notes that the birds have gone now from the valley.

Gwilym speaks to a throng, and...