Chapter 14, The Thirsty Dead Summary

The family prepares to leave. They squeeze what water they can from the sand to take with them. They sling Grandfather's hammock on the side of one of the camels and head out. Their home is like a wasteland, the prayer platform buried in sand from yesterday's storm. Shabanu keeps careful watch on the water pot as they take drinks once during the day. Grandfather won't drink, but he seems calm knowing they are on the way to the fort.

Phulan and Shabanu are sent to search for sito, a plant that has deep roots that hold water. While they are looking, they find a turban tied to a bush, a sign that someone is waiting for help. The girls look around, but whoever tied the turban is likely buried under the sand, dead by now. Phulan...