The winter weather sets in and Garia, Merizel and Eriana spend the morning updating their wardrobes. After lunch the King summons Keren, Garia and Eriana to a critical meeting where the future of the Kingdom must be decided. When the nature of The Test is finally revealed, will Robanar or Keren win the day? And what will be the fate of Garia and Eriana?

Somewhere Else Entirely

by Penny Lane

105 - Decision of a King

Garia's plans are derailed by outside events and she is reduced to sitting with the Queen. This does provide an opportunity to have an honest private conversation, though the results are not what she expected. Later, Garia learns some important new information...

Somewhere Else Entirely

by Penny Lane

104 - Eriana Revealed

Garia is completely devastated by the new visitor to the palace. Keren isn't exactly happy either. Unfortunately, she seems to be better qualified for the job of Consort to a King. Garia must swallow her pride and carry on dealing with the consequences of the conflict with Yod, but the new girl's story raises her curiosity.

Somewhere Else Entirely

by Penny Lane

102 - The candidate

The survivors begin the final day of their return to the palace, all deeply affected by the previous day's battle. Garia has some unexpected meetings which result in her discovering certain surprising and shocking facts.

Somewhere Else Entirely

by Penny Lane

101 - Unexpected Meetings

Greatly expanded, previously part of chapter 98.

Garia's stay at Dekarran consists, as she had expected, of a number of meetings and explanations. Uncle Gil wants to know just what happened during her trip to Blackstone and then there's the whole matter of firearms to explain. The days' hard work is topped off by a banquet in the evening for all, in which the girls get a chance to dress themselves up for the boys.

Somewhere Else Entirely

by Penny Lane

99 - Stories and a Banquet

After the inevitable morning distractions Garia's caravan finally departs Holville for the next stop to the south. Their new host seems out of touch and his children even more insular, with predictable results. Serious trouble is avoided, but all may not be well as they depart for Teldor.

After an overnight stop the caravan resumes the journey south. Most have remembered passing through Holville and do not look forward to doing so again, but there are surprises in store for all when they arrive, including Merizel!

The party's departure from Castle Tranidor does not go smoothly as there are interruptions, first from Kalikan and then from unexpected visitors. Garia finds time to explain a pivotal financial institution before the party finally leave for the south.

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.