amulet

An object worn or used to bring good fortune

baffled

Confused or puzzled

cringe

To shrink back or flinch

eerie

Different in a strange way

fare

Food and drink

lashed

Tied with rope or twine

niche

A cut out in a wall

omen

A foretelling of something that will come to pass

plantain

A large, edible fruit in the banana family

ritual

An established procedure for a religious rite (ceremony)

slough

An area of soft, muddy ground

Succulent

Rich, ripe, and juicy

taboo

A rule forbidden to break

tallow

Animal fat

torrent

A rushing, violent stream of water

tunic

A cloth or animal skin sewn to form a garment that slips over the head

Verdant

a bright green