Blackfeather Woods We're driving in a black car

To her satisfaction, he followed her more than willingly, and she let her face soften at his show of submission. Before she could explain further—he wasn't in trouble, not in the least—he floated the cryptic query, and she peered over his shoulder, toward the space where he had glanced. She didn't see anyone or anything. . .but then, she was sober, uninhibited by the tree's effects.

Who do you see? Maegi asked curiously, returning her eyes to her son's face. Would Anansi become fond of poisons, too? She supposed the legacy had to continue with one of the trio, though she didn't relish the idea of them suffering through the worst of what she had experienced (by her own doing, mind).

A pause, and then she continued, whether or not he responded. The tree makes you see things that aren't there. It's a poisonous tree—poisons are things that alter your body or your mind. . .or both. If you stay far enough away, it won't have as much of an effect, she explained. But you can't get too close, Anansi—you'll get very dizzy and very sick, and it's not a pleasant experience.