Summary

In Chapter 16, the narration returns to the second person point of view. In his new form, Hoa tells Essun it was the stone eater at Flat Top who defeated him. He also warns her that there are some stone eaters who want her dead. Essun asks why he attached himself to her and he explains it was because she had asked him if he was okay when they met in the garnet obelisk.

Considering the offer the people of Rennanis made, Essun feels she needs to take care of the people in Castrima. She asks Hoa to join her in Ykka’s quarters. Essun senses people staring at her as she walks to Ykka’s quarters, a feeling that reminds her of Tirimo. Ykka is still at Flat Top trying to reason with a man who wants to join Rennanis. Knowing she has...