I really enjoyed your latest post - I got a little chill when you pointed out the parallel between Bobby Black's accident and the talk of murder during the cave trip.
But you skipped over one event that I think is important. As they are preparing to hike back, Peacock leaves Den on the hilltop so he can go back down to the cave and talk to Olivia alone. Why? What do they talk about? And why does Olivia later lie to Den about her dish of olives?
@Daniel Falch It sure is. What happened to that skull later on? Den doesn't know (I'd guess) because he's never realized what actually happened. The pattern of stories-never-completed, and events that Den misunderstands, recurs throughout Peace.
I think Peacock went back to take away some of the bones they found. He hid them in Olivia's basket, necessitating her leaving the tray behind. She didn't want Den to know so she made up a story, and got the details wrong.
Basically they've disturbed a burial site and it's a bit of a horror trope that this would likely stir up some angry spirits.
In relation to the Bell Witch (mentioned later in Peace), there is a Bell Witch Cave which also contains a native American burial site. I don't think these two are meant to be the same cave, but if you know that legend, this part of the story has a slightly different feel.
These are great questions! We never did come back to these in the wrap-up episodes for the chapter, but we'll put them on the list for the final wrap-up episode(s??) of the whole book.
But what do you think are the answers?