In the daylight, Poppy finds a new appreciation for Dimwood Forest, which doesn’t seem so terrifying anymore. When he learns that Mr. Ocax has been claiming to be the ruler of the forest, Ereth laughs and confronts the owl to prove to Poppy that the owl is not nearly as awesome as he claims. According to Ereth, being afraid of someone is no reason to believe everything they say (101).

Mr. Ocax is so enraged that he threatens to kill Poppy—especially after he notices Ragweed’s earring and realizes that she stole it from him. Poppy persuades Ereth to accompany her to New House after promising that she will help him obtain the salt lick in return. Mr. Ocax overhears their plans and resolves to stop them.

Mr. Ocax makes a dive at Poppy, but Ereth defends her. The duo arrives at New House and locates the salt lick. As she contemplates how she and Ereth are going to transport the salt lick, Poppy notices an owl twice the size of Mr. Ocax perched atop the barn.