Mission planning for operation Save Verity is underway, but FitzChivalry feels very left out. Kettricken assumed from the beginning that Fitz would refuse, and with their philosophical differences she has taken control of when, where, and who they’re going with. Events push forward their timeline and Fitz, the Fool, and Kettricken (followed by Starling, Kettle and of course, Nighteyes) head out into the Mountain Kingdom wilderness to seek the lost Six Duchies king. All the while, Fitz hears the rush and feels the temptation of the Skill river.