Seth travels aboard Alma's home-ship to the continent of Cyfandir and the city of Caislean Merlin. On board, he discovers that Don Bossman and Jiji are now serving as Alma's assistants after she saved them. Meanwhile, Captain Dragunov is called to a far-away place by the Inquisition, for what he believes is a punishment, but learns he's going to become a Thaumaturge.