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'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...

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...

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.

The unpleasant task of convicting Trogan proceeds after lunch. Once that is concluded to everyone's satisfaction the three convicted men must be executed - and even now Trogan tries to influence the proceedings. Garia's stamina and resolution is tested during this most trying of days.

It seems that Garia and Keren are only just beginning to understand what Trogan and his men have done to Blackstone. Jaxen joins them that evening to bring disturbing news. As the full nature of the plot becomes clear plans must be changed, causing a search of the town the following morning.

The caravan leaves Tranidor on the last stage of the company's journey to Blackstone. All goes well until Garia spots something that has to be investigated... which leaves her literally in a mess. A chance find and a mellow evening around the campfire help to restore calm to the travelers.

A problem with a wheel causes a delay for Garia and her party, resulting in a number of questions being raised - including a terrible dilemma for Garia and Keren. While they wait for the wagon to be fixed Snep decides to show Garia what he can do for her. The party are forced to spend an extra night at the next stop on their journey to Blackstone.

Garia's party is delayed leaving Teldor when Jaxen discovers the others have split up. While they wait for information personal matters are discussed. The road alongside the river takes them through another town and then they begin searching for the others. As night falls certain truths are revealed.

The time has come for all those gathered at Castle Dekarran to make their various ways home, and for Garia that means other partings... which hit her harder than she expects. With the departure of the royal party it is also time to put her own plans into effect, but a face from the past causes an unexpected surprise.

Preparations continue for Garia's disappearing act, with her stand-in proving an apt pupil. The finger of suspicion for her attempted abduction seems to point ever more firmly towards Yod, and security measures are tightened. Even so, there is a visit which must be made, to the Guildmaster of the miners, a person difficult to please. Can Garia find a way to gain his co-operation?

It seems that the King's public statement was not quite what he had in mind, and Garia is suddenly thrust into a world of strategems, plots and plans. Terys and Vivenne come up with a surprise and Gilbanar has an even greater secret to reveal to Garia. Could her original journey still be possible?

Garia rides up to enter the immense pile of stone which guards the confluence of the Sirrel and the Palar. She settles in and meets Gilbanar's nobles of which group she is now a member. The evening banquet and subsequent dance has predictable results but an offer of help is made. Later, Jenet makes an unexpected request.

Finally, the procession of carriages and wagons takes the royal party north to visit Duke Gilbanar. It is Garia's first real chance to see some of the country of Palarand and she has many new experiences as they travel. A tricky river crossing is negotiated... and a waiting Gilbanar gets a surprise when he greets Keren, Garia and Merizel!

The noon parade means changes for many of those taking part. A tricky disciplinary situation is resolved... or is it? At a banquet that evening Garia comes face-to-face with some of Robanar's nobles... and gives as good as she gets.

The day has finally arrived when Garia is deemed old enough to be considered an adult. That means a formal ceremony, following a similar one for Prince Keren. Does anybody really think that it will all go smoothly? This is a significant moment for Garia as it means she is now head of her own noble house. There are changes for her staff, too.