Sheria loses the thread of her fate, and Jonathan finds it. Vicod Rayth rides a dinosaur and has a son, not in that order.

Finally reaching Devi Valley ahead of the Giant-men, Hobb the Wise finds that his prize is ashes. Part 2 of 2.

Hobb and his army of Republican Guard reach the valley in the northern wilderness and try to win control of the ancient mining complex from the mercenaries and Giant-men. Part 1 of 2.

Hobb's third battle doesn't go nearly as well as the first two. Beatrice Snugg makes an unexpected reappearance.

Receiving an unexpected pair of gifts from the late Sir Richard of Enderly, Hobb turns the Republican Guard north and begins the race to Devi Valley.

Mr. Robe suggests a novel use for a spoon. Hobb the Wise must make the hardest choice of his life.

Hobb confronts the irritating truth that he is living in a fantasy adventure story. He puts the pieces of his knowledge together, and throws himself into a confrontation with the Herald that will absolutely, definitely end with his own messy death.

As the courthouse siege escalates, Hobb finds himself losing control of the people he needs to control the most. The Crown Prince finds a new game to play with Hobb, and Professor Pie reappears with a marvelous machine.

Hobb, pressed by demands from many sides, justifies both the Big Lie and the Little Lie. The Man With the Metal Face reaches his first goal. Merrily Hunter proves unhelpful, and Prince Leeland makes an explosive discovery.

The Herald's former identity is revealed. Hobb finds that his arrangement of votes at the Moot leaves something to be desired--but his efforts with Merrily bear fruit. Part 2 of 2.