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...

Keren and Garia realize that they can delay no longer in discussing the two major issues confronting them - the 'beings' and their obvious love for each other. A small group rides out into the country and many things are spoken of, including free will, predestination, the tests of Kings, transfers between worlds, hostile countries and much else besides.

Sukhana is anxious to try out her new saddle and takes a ride around Blackstone with Garia. On their way back Garia discovers that Senidet has hidden talents and makes her a proposition. Later, the steam engine is demonstrated and Master Yarling makes a confession.

Jaxen has returned from Tranidor... but his caravan is much larger than anyone expected. Accompanying it are both strangers and unexpected friends. In some of the wagons are mysterious crates and packages, demonstrating that the guildsmen have not been idle while Garia, Keren and party have been absent from the capital.

The townspeople begin to discover just how extraordinary their new liege is, as they see her in action and speak to her and Keren. Sukhana gets a mount and Snep gets a new friend while the womenfolk of Blackstone inspect the latest fashions from the palace.

There is momentary surprise as Garia and Keren discover the interest the townspeople have in the trial of Trogan and his men - but considering their reign of terror that is not so unusual. Space for a court is quickly found and arrangements made to accommodate the crowd. Then the questioning begins. Will they learn anything more from the captured men?

Garia discovers that she knows very little about the finances of her new world, the men make a mess in the Ptuvil's Claw and Sukhana makes an unexpected proposal. Then, the moment comes for Garia to face the townspeople and tell them what the future holds. Later, there is an earnest discussion about... tarpaulins?