Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Tristan has a vision of himself in Uncle C’s domain, which is packed with even more prisoners. Uncle C threatens Tristan. He strips every memory of Eddie from Tristan’s mind and tells Tristan that if he does not bring the Story Box to him, Tristan will live out every remaining moment of his short life with only the memory of Eddie’s death. After this, Tristan knows he has lost some memories but can’t recall what they were. Tristan wakes up and returns to his body in the Isihlangu. No time has passed, and everyone assumes that he has just zoned out. High John gives up his claim to the box and stares angrily at Tristan. After agreeing to be accompanied by Thandiwe, Tristan at last gets to see the Story Box. It is dusty and empty.

Over a great feast, Tristan and the others decide that they will ignore Brer’s plan to bring the box back to him. They will take it Nyame for repair instead. First, however, the Amagqirha leads Tristan to the Atrium to see the Story Box of the Isihlangu.