Garia dredges her architectural memory to explain how to build a lightweight roof and Brydas fashions a present for his departing daughter. The inevitable happens with the arrival of a large caravan, bringing unexpected visitors both welcome and unwelcome. Sookie is surprised by an offer she can't refuse.

Garia realizes that her men need to know all about Yod's wonder weapons so teaches them what she knows for their own safety. Jepp makes a surprising suggestion, Merizel has an idea and Garia and Keren spend an exhausting afternoon writing a report for the King. In the evening funerals are held for all those killed during the attack.

Garia has a tricky family problem to sort out when Jasinet's father is found amongst the dead brigands. Then, her mother must be gently questioned to find out who these people were. Later, possible threats to Blackstone must be considered.

The company waken and continue their trek back to Blackstone. On the way back to the Ptuvil's Claw the news of what had happened goes round the town and a crowd gathers when they arrive. Now must come the tricky task of discovering, if possible, who their attackers had been.

When Garia awakes from her inadvertant nap it is to the realization that the ptuvil will return... The camp must be prepared for another possible battle. Help arrives from an unexpected source, however. What are dranakh doing here? Somehow the company must survive the afternoon and make their way back to safety.

Garia steps in something unpleasant... and that is the start of a desperate, terrifying struggle for life against foes both unexpected... and unimaginable! With the company in disarray she begins to show the qualities that any Queen must have.

Garia visits the hairdresser, Merizel finds a dajan tuner and Brydas tells Garia that some of the townspeople find the shoemaker's attitude objectionable. The afternoon planning meeting covers mine positioning, railroads, zoning, sewage works and concrete, but others in the town are making plans too...

Garia takes a ride as far as the dam which supplies Blackstone with water. On her return she finds two puzzled Questors waiting. The afternoon answers many of their questions and Jaxen learns about a new form of transport.

Garia's investigation into the fighting between her new maids reveals a deeper, darker secret, one which she must drop everything to resolve. Out of her depth, she calls in help from the town assembly. The evil-doers are confronted, but there is an unexpected side-effect...