Chapters 9 & 10

In this part of the book, David finds out that Petra also has telepathic powers. However, hers are different. She has the power to actually control people in her times of need. Rosalind and David decide not to tell Petra about it until she is a bit older. Five or six years pass since the incident in the river. Everyone was having a bad season. So many of the crops and animals were mutated. David talks to this ancient man who is mucking out some beans. This man has some strong opinions about deviation that David doesn't really agree with. This is when David finds out that Blasphemies and Offences were burnt. This shocks David. He now fears for Sophie and his sister.

Anne, one of their telepathic buddies, marries Alan, who had spread the news of Sophie. The whole "mind group" discouraged Anne of marrying. Anne did not listen to them. This put the "mind group" in trouble. However, not too long after their marriage, Alan was murdered. And, not too long after that, Anne killed herself. She left a note for the inspector that claimed the whole "mind group" is abnormal. Rachel burns the letter so they are safe...for now...

In chapter 10, it does not say who killed Alan. I don't think that someone from the "mind group" did it.
I think that it was Sophie's dad or something. Someone who would want to get revenge. I think that Sophie is dead (probably burnt). I think that it's interesting that David can hear faint voices in his head. I think that as the book goes on, the "mind group" will be found out and they will have to scatter.