In a dream state, Tristan hears Uncle C thank him for journal. Tristan wakes in the Thicket, a place of thorns in MidPass. Chestnutt, an excitable young rabbit whose guardian is Brer Fox, greets him, asks many questions, and finally tells Tristan he is due to a grand meeting. On the way there, Chestnutt tells Tristan that figures who are characters in Tristan’s world are gods in MidPass. MidPass is populated with gods, creatures, and escapees from the time of slavery in Tristan’s world.

Tristan and Chestnutt near the meeting place, the Tree of Power, which draws Tristan because it shines and emits the sound of powerful drumming only he can hear. Outside the central chamber, Tristan hears Gum Baby lying about Tristan’s role in Gum Baby’s too-long trip to Tristan’s world. Realizing that he may be in trouble and that dark forces like Uncle C and the Maafa may be too much for him to handle, Tristan tries to leave, but the thorns of the Thicket stop him.