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!

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.

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 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 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.

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 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...

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.

Garia takes on some more staff as they attempt to discover what happened to the tenth frayen. In order to investigate quietly she begins a census of the town which causes further confusion. Sookie has her first ride on Tixi and then a meeting is interrupted with alarming news...

Jaxen sets off for Tranidor and Garia takes the opportunity for a ride on Snep. She learns more about the country around Blackstone and discovers how a vital resource is provided. The afternoon is taken up with the party's move to the Ptuvil's Claw and she receives a number of requests, both expected and unexpected.

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?