Wanting to get the truth from Maximus, Crystal has a telepath try to get the answers she seeks. As Crystal finds out afterwards, the attempt is completely unsuccessful.
Wondering if Maximus might be hiding out in a hospital, Crystal checks into the possibility. To her surprise, she finds him, but not as a patient. Crystal's reaction upon seeing him for the first time in more than two years is nowhere close to pleasant.
Crystal's month to find Maximus ended and she returned to the palace. However, with her task unfinished, Crystal decides to leave again. This time, she gives advance notice of her time away, but her need to be away does not go unquestioned.
A disguised Crystal searches for any clue as to the whereabouts of her missing cousin, attempting to get his attention without letting him know who is looking for him.
After considerable time in Attilan, Forge becomes bored and takes some rather extreme steps to counter his ennui. Luckily, Crystal is around to possibly prevent a rather serious mishap.
A name Crystal never expected to see again catches her eye. She is less than overjoyed and Forge isn't quite thrilled by the result of her initial reaction.
On the day of the wedding of Medusa and Blackagar, Crystal reflects on those who are not attending the happy occasion. Meanwhile, an uninvited would-be guest plans and attempts to attend the ceremony.