The Presentation Ball is off to a brilliant, if lonely, start for Malta. However, Davad introduces her to Satrap Cosgo, Reyn appears, and even Cerwin Trell stops by. There is non-stop chaos. She shares some dances but argues with Reyn and they go their separate ways. Serilla makes her power play and trouble seems to be brewing in Bingtown. The Vestrits leave early but highwaymen waylay them on the road back home.