Fitz finds himself back in Buckkeep town where everything looks like it has changed; new growth, new faces, and yet the nostalgia hits him hard. He becomes a servant to the recently arrived noble, Lord Golden, and finds his way to the hidden chamber where Chade taught him. He learns from Chade that Prince Dutiful has run away and that he is suspected of having the Wit. 

The Fool's last days with Fitz pass in thoughtful silence as Fitz reflects on his choices. The Fool departs for Buckkeep and Fitz is morose. Hap finds his way back home with hard news and Fitz thinks about borrowing money from Chade. When he is packed, a messenger comes with an urgent scroll. 

Perhaps the after effects of elfbark tea stayed with Fitz. He wakes up with a feeling of no direction or purpose in life. He and the Fool spend a day relaxing and partaking in their respective hobbies. Eventually, Fitz talks about the years he spent wandering the Six Duchies, his journey to Bingtown and back, and seeing Burrich and Molly. 

Nighteyes, Fitz, and the Fool stumble back to the cottage. Fitz and Beloved sip elfbark tea to relieve their headaches while Fitz starts to talk abou his time with the Old Blood. He and Nighteyes met up with Black Rolf and Holly to learn about their magic. 

The third day with the Fool starts with Fitz becoming claustrophobic in his small life, longing for more. Nighteyes speaks about getting older, and he runs off. Fitz is forced to rush to his side later, as the wolf starts choking. Not willing to stand by idle while his bond partner dies, Fitz attempts Skill healing for the first time. 

Fitz, Nighteyes, and Beloved fall into routine. Chores are done, stories exchanged, jokes made, and brandy fills their glasses at night. Fitz begins to tell the Fool of the year in the mountains after Verity-as-Dragon took flight against the Raiders. 

Fitz is restless. He and Nighteyes continue to do chores until someone rides down the lane towards his cabin. FitzChivalry meets the Tawny Man and his horse, Malta. The Fool has found his way back to Fitz and Nighteyes' life, and he settles in with them as if he never left. Reunited, and with some good apricot brandy, Fitz asks the Fool his real name. 

Fitz and Hap settle into their summer routine but with more interest to save money for the boy's apprenticeship. At the market, they meet Jinna, a hedge-witch, and an offer of hospitality at Fitz's cottage is extended. Hap leaves on a money-making journey, Jinna visits the cottage, and a secret is inadvertently revealed. 

Fitz heads back to his cottage to speak with Starling and confront her. They argue but put it aside to speak of the political issues embroiling the Six Duchies regarding the Old Blood and Wit. Restating that he is done laying with her while she is married, Fitz sparks Starling's anger. She lashes out at both Fitz and Hap on her way out. 

From Chade's visit, Fitz has become a bit restless. He has taken it upon himself to do a bunch of chores around his cottage until Starling and Hap come back. When they do, Hap doesn't seem very pleased. Fitz and Starling get reacquainted, and he sneaks out at night to talk to his boy, Hap. Fitz finds out about Starling's secret and dreads the future confrontation.