After Vandara presents her charges against Kira, the girl is given a defender, a man named Jamison. No one is alive now that remembers the time before the Ruin, but the history of her people is kept alive by the yearly Gathering, during which the Singer, whose only job is to sing the ancient stories, performs. It is the only building to have survived the Ruin and is an impressive stone structure. Vandara agrees to bring charges against Kira the following day. Any conflict that may result in death must be brought before the Council of the Guardians. Kira remembers the rules of their society. Armed with rocks, they tell Kira to leave the village because she isn’t welcome anymore. They want to build a pen that will hold their children so the kids don’t have to be watched while the mothers work.Īs Kira approaches the burnt remains of her home, Vandara and the other women confront her. Vandara and others want to use the plot of land where Kira’s hut used to stand. When Kira returns from holding vigil at her mother’s grave, Matt informs her that Vandara, a woman in the village, plans on casting Kira out. He lives in the poorest section of the village, the Fen. Matt, a young boy around 8 years old, is one of Kira’s few friends. Until then, she will try to build a hut to live in, as hers was burned to keep the illness that killed her mother from spreading to the other villagers. Kira hopes she can convince the villagers to allow her to continue to clean the weaving hut and possibly learn to use the looms when one becomes available. Kira is gifted at embroidery, but there is little need for beautiful clothes when no one can afford to buy them. Her special need will keep her from becoming a mate, and it limits her ability to work. Kira has reached puberty, but as she has a twisted leg that causes her to limp, she is of little value to the villagers. After her mother and only protector dies, young Kira must fend for herself among the villagers with whom she lives.

Gathering blue