Autumn’s unpredictable magic clashes with Schizandra’s purported powers as village protectionist. All is not as it seems. On their way out of the village, Autumn and her squirrel, Widdershin, encounter three village beauties, and Autumn tells tales. How far will the unwitting beauties push Autumn? Then it’s off into the Black Wood to find the reclusive Splinter, who lives in a house set high in a tree. Splinter is a collector of mushrooms, pods, and other plant life. What will he reveal to the captivated Autumn, and what tales will she tell him? Later, in the dark of night, while Autumn lies in her darkened bedroom in Schizandra’s house, a startling message comes from deep inside the Black Wood.