Tracker watches Mossi train with two swords. The griot lord takes out a musical instrument (a kora) and plays while Sogolon and Venin ride to the west. His song is about “a lover” (396) and written in italics. Overcome with emotion, Tracker goes outside.

He sees Sadogo making a bed on the roof because of his sleeping problems. Sadogo reports that Venin’s attitude has changed; she isn’t obeying Sogolon and insulted him. Then, Tracker and Sadogo talk about the Ipundulu and the “bewitched” (401) boy traveling with him, as well as the Aesi and the mingi. Also, Tracker takes in Sadogo’s scent.

Venin and Sogolon return, arguing, and Tracker tells Sogolon about the griot’s love song. Sogolon shares a story about the King killing griots because song has the power to tell truths and seed dissention.

The next morning, a crying Sadogo awakens Tracker because the griot walked off the roof. They take the body to tall grass, and while saying farewell, birds (hornbills) attack them. Sadogo and Tracker run back to the house and see hundreds of birds fly away with the griot’s body.

Back on the road, Mossi and Tracker ride the

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