Rudeus's sisters arrive with an unexpected chaperone. After catching up with an old friend, Rudeus decides it's time to send the girls to school. But convincing Norn and Aisha turns out to be more trouble than he bargained for.

With Nanahoshi's help, Rudeus gains a way to shorten his journey, but he and Elinalise will still need to hurry if they hope to return before Sylphie gives birth. Their first obstacle: the harsh desert of Begaritt and its monstrous denizens.