Mollymauk Tealeaf introduces a dangerous new act to attract customers to his failing carnival. Amidst the attractions, Beau meets her clandestine informant, Jester shows Fjord how to have fun, and Caleb and Nott try to steal a rare magical component.

After the Mighty Nein break out of prison and subdue a Volstrucker assassin, Beau interrogates her brutally. But as the questioning ramps up, Beau's suspicions turn to to Caleb as his connection with the Empire and dark past are unraveled.