Summary

The seventh chapter is titled “Whales.” Leif is surrounded by killer whales. He cannot tell how many because there are a lot and they are constantly moving. He is not afraid though he knows any of them could break his canoe. He “dream-remembered them playing with the canoe” while he was sick (84). He is amazed at how effortlessly they move through the water. A large whale blows so near that Leif is covered by the mist, which smells of fish. Some of the whales nudge him, and Leif continues to travel with them. They reach a place in the river where small stones cover the floor of the shore, polished smooth by the tides. He realizes the whales are deliberately rubbing themselves on the rocks. The adults teach the youngsters what do so. Leif remains still and watches. When he is too...