It also delves into the deepening mystery of Thorn's past, and the brooding unrest between the valley folk and the Rat Creature tribe, between whom there has been an uneasy treaty.

Fone Bone is driven to jealousy when Tom, a handsome honey seller, flirts with Thorn.

She tells Fone Bone the dream is recurrent, and stimulated by her seeing his map, and records a childhood memory.

Fone Bone's attempt to write a love poem to Thorn is interrupted by the Two Stupid Rat Creatures (introduced in the initial book).

After the race, Phoney and Smiley are forced to work off their debts washing dishes at the Barrelhaven Tavern and repairing Gran'ma Ben's farm.