Offers are made and, for the most part, accepted. Rivers and Sallia reflect on recent events from their own unique and surprising perspectives.

An unexpected summons to the King.

Juliana's secret is revealed. We learn further details of the adventures of Corius and the scholars, and how things now stand in the City.

A chase across the rooftops, and Bass confronts the murderer high above the streets of Bonvidaeo.

Corius and the scholars invade the Temple and put their impersonation into effect. Tamas preaches a Personalist sermon on being one's true self, and the wasps are suddenly deployed. In the subsequent confusion, Bass spots the murderer and gives chase.

The scholars, Corius and Bass set out to foil the assassination, using disguise, trickery, and wasps. Bass reveals an unsuspected comedic talent.

Bass, Tamas and Juliana attend a ceremony in honour of the Moon. Bass compares his background with Juliana's, and the counter-plot advances.

Corius's reconnaissance turns up disturbing news. Felkior, masked as his younger self, comes up with a plan of preposterous daring.

Tamas tries to convince Bardo not to proceed with his plot. The Butcher claims a fifth victim, and Corius is determined to spy on Bardo.

Corius gets word of an assassination plot by Bardo's underground group against the Archpriest of the Sun. Tamas, Corius and their fellow Personalists would suffer reprisals if the plot succeeded, so they, Felkior and Bass look for ways to foil it.

Lord Rivers at last replies, denying Bass's request for support. Corius suspects his foster-sister's lover Bardo of the murders and wants to search out evidence against him, but Bass discourages him. A young nobleman is murdered by the Butcher.