Summary

In “The Ballad of Agnes,” the narrative focus switches from Bea to Agnes, who is coming to terms with her mother’s sudden abandonment of her family. Some days have passed, and Agnes admits that she is glad that she can finally show her strength because her mother is gone. She is excited to leave Lower Post and the memories of her mother’s abandonment behind to become a true adult.

After eight weeks, the Community receives instructions to meet the Rangers at a new pickup location. Agnes gains respect from the Community for being a masterful tracker and trail finder, and she successfully leads the group through a forest and mountain pass. Her Wilderness upbringing gave her a keen ability to interpret the movements of animals, for whom she feels a strong affiliation.

The group reaches a big and brinish body of...