Summary

Kidane establishes his camp near Kossoye. He knows the Italians will rush into the no-man's-land territory. A messenger, Ferres, brings word the Italians took Adua. Kidane strategizes with his men.

In "Photo," the narrator describes a photograph of the cook, men crouching behind her as she works.

Aster and her band of women march towards Kidane’s camp. As the Italians approach, she encourages her fellow soldiers not to fear.

In "Chorus," years prior, men came to Aster's childhood home and dragged the cook away. Aster begged them to stop. Though she knew she could have done more to save her, Aster did not.

An Italian officer, Jacques Corat, arrives at the camp. He admires Hirut and insists Aster and Kidane allow him to take her. When they refuse, he becomes adamant. The cook offers herself instead, promising Jacques hearty meals and an...