Hobb and The Kettle have one final debate. Hobb keeps his promise. Featuring "Fantasy for Piano."

Something stalks Grygory the Pious in the deep forests of the north. Jonathan and Merrily are reunited at last--but everything is different. Cyrus almost reveals his cunning plan.

In Finery Valley, Basil sets new plans in motion--now assisting the White Knights. Rufus expresses his earnest desire for the biggest boomstick that money can buy, and also a pony. Two fresh armies arrive in the valley, and Colonel Ratwurst finds not all to his liking. Daven spills new secrets to Rufus, and Rufus backs Devi into a corner with an irresistible request.

Hobb's grand tour of the King's home sparks a new revelation by Merrily, and Merrily sparks an adjustment of the First Minister's trousers. King Leeland issues Hobb an ultimatum. Hobb tries desperately to wrest a concession from The Kettle, but comes up empty.

In a shocking development, the Bright Path Podcast returns to the same characters for two weeks in a row. Cyrus, Merrily, and company finally enter Uellodon, only to find the Royal Academy off limits and Wigglus's mother's house a ruin. Cyrus proposes a pub crawl, but two strangers change their plans. The narrator's horrific French accent rides again. Bonus points if you spot the Mathnet reference.

Lawyers. Huh! What are they good for? Actually, you'd be surprised. Find out in Episode 43 of The Bright Path Podcast. Also: How to have a romantic conversation whilst holding a raw sheep's liver; why Merrily smeared bear grease all over her body; and how to wake a sleeping mathematician.

Sir Richard does battle with giants and gerunds, as his skills as a diplomat are tested in combat. Will the redoubtable knight embarrass his King, or open a new window in relations between man and giant-man?

Grygory comes face to face with a familiar demon, but notably fails to be eaten alive. King Simon deploys the only known rhyme for 'orange'. Grygory discovers that whatever God intends, Brutus the Observer has a plan for him.

Queen Anne discovers unexpected allies in her confrontation with the Crown. Jonathan sets out on a new journey.

Captain Howe makes the best of a bad situation. Jonathan discovers just how fast he can go from elated to crushed. Queen Anne receives an ultimatum. Part 1 of 2.