Summary

Tristan asks what an "Anansesem" is. John Henry tells him that it means a storyteller. It means he has "Anansi's gift" (129) and that he has some of the magic, Anansi, the Weaver, created. This means he listens to the world in turn, the world listens to him. It also explains why Tristan has been hearing the music, drums, and singing. This is also a part of his storytelling powers. Thy still need to figure out what to do. The Thicket is in danger, and there are other monsters out there, too, the gods tell him--things called hullbeasts and brand flies. Creatures are all worked up apparently because of the rip in the sky and are now hunting them for some reason, and taking them back to the Maafa. As much as Tristan wants to go home, he does feel like maybe he should...