Lucius, Smiley, and Phoney survive an attack by the rat creatures and return safely to Lucius in Barrelhaven tavern. Phoney, desperate to win a bet with Lucius. Back to the farm, Fone Bone and Thorn are troubled by strange dreams, and Grandma Ben reaction to them is stranger still: She reveals long-kept secrets and warns of great danger. Thorn, Fone Bone, Ben and Grandma may have to leave the farm forever.