Verity prepares for and undertakes a quest to beseech the Elderlings for aid giving Fitz a mental break from a renewed ardor between the King-in-Waiting and Queen-in-Waiting Kettricken. All the while, Regal seems to be gathering power. FitzChivalry passively observes a worsening situation at Buckkeep with an increase in rumors badmouthing Verity, parties wasting money, and a breakdown of the coast defenses. A large raid is heard of days late with no warning from any of their failsafes and it's all being blamed on Verity. With minimal contact through the Skill with Verity, Fitz and Kettricken have to navigate this by themselves.