The Duchy and City of Lakehurst are not in good shape. Duke Edward and his sheriff, Malcolm, who Randall is sure is actually his old tormentor, Uitvoerder, are making life difficult for everyone with new licensing for businesses and restrictions on who can come and go, in violation of kingdom law.
But when Michael and Lois take it upon themselves to take care of Marta's problems after she loses her license to practice magic, things take a tragic turn, forcing Randall into a desperate corner.
