Six months after the events in Uellodon, Merrily is forced to finally put one of her two points of view to rest. She says goodbye to Jonathan. Cyrus comes very close to meeting the same fate as Rolly.

Merrily says goodbye to Wallingford Spoon and Wigglus Snort. Part 2 of 2.

Chancellor Spoon and his friends are captured. Merrily tells the most convincing lie of her career, and discovers that Hobb was not lying at all. Part 1 of 2.

Hobb and Mr. Robe demonstrate the new machinery of justice. The Prince's escape brings the siege of the courthouse to a head. Part 2 of 2.

Merrily receives unexpected help extracting Prince Leeland from his father's palace.

Boris is exposed as a second-rate mystic, and Hobb gets a bit of legal debate on his tie. The Crown Prince has an unusual request.

The Old Academy is not dead yet, and fights back with pies and pamphlets. Chancellor Pearsy makes brilliant advances in mathematics, engineering, and pottery-making. Merrily goes for a jolly walk through raw sewage, and ends up in the house of God.

Merrily and Wigglus reunite in difficult circumstances. Chancellor Pearsey recounts his special gift to Cyrus Stoat.

Merrily follows Hobb out of Roosterfoot in an attempt to learn more about his late-night meetings, but her mission is interrupted by cows and lawyers. The Roosterfoot Moot votes on whether to declare for Queen Anne or King Leeland. Merrily is tempted by a new road trip.

Merrily tries to persuade the Roosterfoot landowners to support the Queen, but her efforts bear small and sour fruit. Mr. Sniggins is dressed as an abominable decoy, as Merrily attempts to discover the nighttime activities of Hobb the Wise.