Five years later, Kwash Moki wages war on Wakadishu, and Sogolon is a fixture in Keme’s household. She hates her domestication, however, and longs for a weapon to exorcise her rage on a man—any man.

When she is first brought back to Fasisi, she is eventually released. She wanders the streets with no shelter, sleeping in alleys or trees, fending off predators, and begging for food. Desperately hungry, she resorts to stealing, but as a meat vendor chases her through the streets, she is captured by soldiers of the Red Army. They take her to a fortification, feed her, and question her. With no viable options and wanting to keep her from the danger of the streets, their “Marshal” (Keme again) brings her home, where he and his wife, Yétúnde, take her in. Within six months, Sogolon has become part of the household, watching the children and grinding the corn. One night, Sogolon and Keme find themselves alone, and their passion overwhelms them. Their lovemaking soon becomes a regular routine until Yétúnde warns Sogolon that she is likely pregnant.

Time passes, and when Sogolon thinks of the Aesi, she is filled with rage.