Chapters 6 and 7 Summary

"The Banquet." The author writes of how the pain in her feet began to be eased, and how members of the tribe seemed to be working together to create a meal of a large, white worm, which she thinks she can't eat but later, finds it's delicious after being cooked. They all sit in a circle, and tribe members reveal their names, shorthand descriptions of identity that have evolved over time, and continue to evolve, as an indication of the individuals' talents. Thus, Ooota tells her, members of the tribe have names like Story Teller, Sewing Master, and Secret Keeper. She is described as "mutant." As they prepare to sleep, the Sewing Master gives her a bundle of hides to sleep on, and they all share a special herb tea as a celebration of her acceptance into the tribe. She prayerfully...