Rufus realizes that he is not out of danger: The militants return after nightfall and capture the traveling villagers. As the boats surround them, Chief Ibiram stands up and addresses the militants, who demand Isabel and Salomon. As punishment for defying them, the militants order the villagers to decide on a person to be their hostage and go with them; this person will only be returned once the militants are certain that the villagers have not been cooperating with the military. Isabel, not wanting anyone hurt, stands up and reveals herself. The militants plan to take the boy, Michael, which sends Tamuno into a panic; he thrashes about, trying to save the boy. A militant knocks Tamuno into the water with the butt of his gun. Rufus, seeing all of this, volunteers to go with the militants so that no more people are hurt and Michael can remain with his father.

Rufus, Isabel, and Salomon are taken to a camp and spend the night there under a tree, Salomon crying over what his fate might be for betraying these dangerous militants. The next morning, a soldier awakens Rufus with a kick and takes him to a large, circular clearing, where he is left with a number of other militants.