Niki is quietly determined to put into effect her resolution that ‘Smarts not Swords’ is the modern way forward for the realms. Whether they like it or not.
Fi fails to exert her authority as the new head of the trade desk when she meets with opposition from the irascible Galician Emperor.
Insights from Rosie and Mags Hob combine with Mabon’s misery to spur Niki into overhauling the Gateway’s part of the inter-realm commerce situation. But the problems she uncovers lead her to more innovative solutions than perhaps the realms had in mind.
There are changes outside the Gateway too, with upheaval for the village of Gretna Green, for Aysha and Autumn, and Rhiannon. It all comes to head when Dola ‘gets itchy’.
Now, Niki needs to take a hard look at her personal priorities while considering the wider future for the realms.