Embarking on their annual run, the Fantasia are attacked by road rats: their food is stolen and Ferdy is shot. Yves states that they must return to Solis for food and medical attention for Ferdy, but Maddie reveals they cannot, and must continue. Continuing, the Fantasia find a small settlement, where they can get food and medical help in exchange for a show. At camp, Garland meets two strange boys, who seem to be being pursued by two men. Who are these boys, and what do they want?

Running low on fuel, the Fantasia stop of at Gramth, a grim industrial city. Told that there is little fuel due to rebel activity, and thus prices are high, Garland, Timon and Eden start to discover that this is not the truth, and begin to take the rebels point of view.

After passing a small settlement, Tane and Jewel fall ill with a deadly plague, soon followed by Goneril and Eden. Maddie and Yves suggest that in order to complete their mission, the Fantasia must split; the healthy continuing to Newton, the sick staying behind. Travelling onwards, however, Garland realises that with the help of the silver girl, she may be able to help Goneril, Tane, Eden and Jewel. Returning to them, she convinces Boomer and Timon to come with her to a place called ‘Apothecary – Nidus’. Can they find a cure here? And will they be able to evade Ozul and Maska again?

Now travelling on areas off their map, Yves wins a map of the area including Solis from some friendly travellers. They follow it, but find it to be incorrect, leading them to the sea. They are soon caught by the travellers they met earlier, who turn out to be Flesh-Pirates – the women and girls will be sent to Manland, whilst the men and boys are sent to work in the jip-mines. However, they also want the converter, and Timon and Eden, for some tradesmen they have met. This leads to a terrifying ordeal for Timon – how will he, or the rest of the Fantasia, escape?

The Fantasia reach Pilgrim’s Vantage – a point which overlooks Solis – six weeks before the solstice. They party and celebrate, but Garland sees how Maddie and Yves have become closer, and this fuels her longing for her Father, Ferdy. Right on cue, Timon gives her an opportunity – to use the slider, go back in time and save Ferdy. Eden dislikes the idea, and the Silver Girl begs Garland not to do it, but with Timon’s persuading and seeing her mother and Yves together, she agrees. Do they succeed in saving Ferdy? Are Timon’s motives for wanting to go back authentic?

With just two days left to reach Solis, the Fantasia must cross the lake, which contains a serpent-like monster, the Taniwha. Obtaining cooperation from the Laketowners, who agree to be their guides, they begin to cross, but not all is as it seems. The children are led into a trap set by Ozul and Maska. Will they survive? What is Timon up to? Why has his attitude change so dramatically?