This is part one of our discussion of this chapter. By taking on a lot of new responsibilities, FitzChivalry has to deal with a very busy schedule. He tries to balance all of his tasks and obligations to his loved ones while learning more of the Skill, the ax, his bond with Nighteyes, and eventually how to row. At Verity's behest, Fitz joins the crew of one of the warships and gets even busier, but eventually has the opportunity to ask King Shrewd about a certain marriage proposal.