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 caravan enters the castle... and suspicious are aroused. But Trosanar's information is wrong, so the confrontation which results has an unexpected end. Later, Garia finds a way to educate the count, and discovers an unexpected ally.

Garia awakens to strange noises in the women's sleeping chamber and assumes the worst. However, it seems sufficient precautions have already been taken. She recognizes that the nature of their expedition has changed and makes a suggestion to Keren which has unexpected side effects. There is talk of containers, soils and the problems of trans-shipment before the company prepare to discover if Trosanar has laid plans for them at Tranidor.

The final meeting of Blackstone's Town Assembly brings together all those in whose safekeeping Garia will leave her town. Once details have been finalized she hands out as gifts all those objects sent to her during her stay. Then comes the serious business of packing, and finally she and the others must make their farewells to the town she has come to know and love. The company take the road south and make their first night's stop at the new roadhouse.

Garia and her friends have much to do before they will be forced to leave Blackstone. She sits as Baroness to decide the minor problems of the town and then, after lunch, as Guildmistress for Blackstone's craftsmen. Along the way she introduces more novel ideas to the locals and the fate of several of her friends is determined.

Garia learns where the brigands were hiding out before getting stuck into the inevitable paperwork. Brydas brings an interesting proposal and asks advice about Senidet's situation. The afternoon brings letters with news of more developments in Palarand before Garia tackles the problem of the smith and his daughter.

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.