The Barren Grounds

Morgan, Eli, and Arik stand at the edge of the canyon and cry. Finally, Morgan takes her brother’s hand and asks if he is okay. Eli laments that it isn’t fair that Ochek became a constellation while Mahihkan won’t be remembered. Arik says Mahihkan will be remembered because they will tell his story.

A week after Morgan’s arrival in the Barren Grounds, Morgan, Eli, and Arik start their journey back to Misewa. They walk away from the mountain range to the forest, where they cut down a tree to walk across the canyon rather than traveling several more hours to the other tree bridge. Arik crosses the bridge first, followed by Morgan (conquering her fears of falling) and Eli. As they walk, they notice animals coming back to the forest. Arik catches a rabbit, which they eat for lunch, as well as a few animals for the villagers.

When night falls, the group feels Ochek guiding them toward home. In Misewa, the villagers stand in a circle in front of the Council Hut, holding torches and welcoming them home. Arik is invited back to the village, and she accepts. Muskwa thanks Morgan and Eli and invites them to stay longer.