The Great Cow Race Arc

Lore & Background

The Locusts serve as the primary antagonists here, revealing themselves as insectoid beings in human guise who seek the map to the Golden Age. Their pursuit drives the cousins toward the village of Dragonhead, where they meet the local villagers and begin their integration into Valley life. This arc sets the thematic groundwork for the larger conflict involving the Red Death.

In Their Own Story

The dust settled on Phoney's boots as he scanned the horizon of the Valley. Behind them lay the desert, but ahead, shadows moved in the treeline. F'Nella tightened her grip on Thistle, whispering that they needed to keep moving before the Locusts found their wagon. The wind carried a strange hum, like wings beating against an invisible sky.

Reader's Guide

The narrative begins with Phoney Bone and his cousins arriving in the Valley of Peace after fleeing their home world. They seek shelter from mysterious pursuers known as the Locusts, who are desperate to obtain the map to the Golden Age hidden among the Bones. As they travel through rugged terrain, the group encounters local villagers in Dragonhead, offering temporary safety from the Locust threat. The tension escalates when the Locusts reveal their true nature as giant insects disguised as humans, seeking to exploit the valley's resources for their own gain. Phoney must use his wit and leadership to protect F'Nella and Thistle while uncovering the truth about these shadowy figures. This arc concludes with the Bones settling into Dragonhead life, though the Locusts remain a looming threat in the shadows.

Did You Know?

• The title refers to the first trade paperback volume rather than a specific race event depicted in the story.
• This is where the Bone cousins first encounter the Locusts as disguised humanoids.
• Dragonhead village serves as their primary sanctuary during this early chapter of the saga.