In the frontier forest, King Simon tries to keep his new subjects from eating each other. He finds that culinary advice and fragrant incense only go so far. Simon and The Gizzard discover that they have some unexpected assets, and Simon introduces his henchman to the fine distinction between trade and murder. In Hog Hurst, Alice is confronted once again by her strange visitors, and decides on a new course of action.

Episode 12 of the podcast covers Chapters 15 and 16 of The Bright Path.