Garia rides out with her men to learn about the lands the King granted her. Along the way they discover a tale of theft, neglect, innocence and family feuding. Stott proves he can use a bow before the company make their final camp at the head of Blackstone Vale.

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 and Keren take a ride out for the day, to find out what is beyond the ridge above the town. The answer is surprising to all. Yarling learns about geology while Feteran discovers why no enemy may attack from the north. Their day out is ended by the appearance of some unexpected visitors...

I was immediately up and dancing around the apartment trying to come up with excuses about why I couldn’t possibly be anything other than human as she just sat there smiling and the others watched me as though they thought me crazy or possibly worse while Eáránë countered my every argument.

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.