How is Sandry encouraged to personally attend to the matters of her holdings in Namorn? What pressure is exerted? Who exerts this pressure, and for what reason?

What does Empress Berenene offer Briar to get him to stay with her in Dancruan? What enticements does she offer him? What is tempting about the offer to him? How does he respond to the offer and why?

What does Daja realize while she is visiting the Empress with Sandry and the others? Who opens Daja's eyes? What happens as a result? What does Daja want to have happen? Who breaks Daja's heart and why?

What measures are taken to coerce Sandry into remaining in Dancruan or at least in the Namorn region? What kind of life is offered to her? Who does the Empress try to set Sandry up with and what efforts are made?

Who...