In a perfect world, intentionally ignorant behaviour would hurt, and the whole of the law would be: play nice and be good. Geaeh, unfortunately, is a complex world, and sometimes the bad guy wins.
Down North, though Lee Sleepingbear has survived Iron Burn, she discovers that it's a much longer healing process than any normal physical wound, and takes her frustration out on those closest to her. Angry at herself for her lack of control, she storms off to sulk.
Up South, for services rendered to the Crown, Sarielah Kinzah-Kuru, is made First Countess Ghostmont by a grateful Queen Bess. Unfortunately, the late Count Ghostmont was in serious debt to child traffickers, who have decided to get what they can from the newly-minted Countess.
Sarielah's grandmother, Lilith Marshall, finds Lee in a dark corner, and tells her of her safety concerns for the Countess. Seeing a potential outlet for her frustration, Lee goes to New Yorkshire with Lilith to help Sarielah. Why? Mostly because Lee's son, Mykal Sleepingbear, is engaged to Sarielah.
Fortunately for everyone, spiders with toes can learn sign language, the mycelia know everything, and rowan trees can keep no secrets."
