Chapter 1: The First Military Post Summary and Analysis

Kundilla woke up first at the camp. The others were still asleep, covered by their animal skin blankets. Kundilla would check the fish traps he set the night before. He liked this time in the morning so he could meditate and make plans without disruption. The day before, the family clans had gathered for the annual burning of the undergrowth, which served to flush out game including wallabies and kangaroos. The men would ambush the animals as they ran from the fire. Their skins were used for warm clothing against the severe weather.

By the time Kundilla returned with the fish, his wife Ngingana had already prepared the fire. She cooked the fish and called everyone to eat. Mardina, Kundilla's other wife, was breastfeeding their youngest child, Jalda. Her two teenaged sons, Wandani...