In the twelve years since a seemingly happily ever after ending, not all is well in the Thirteen Kingdoms. The Quest retold in the Hallowed Treasures Saga is beginning to fade into memory. Parisa's parents seem to fight all the time. As the date of meeting of the Thirteen Kingdoms approaches, she sees her mother through a window in a dream. With a beautiful crown made of gold, with pearls and diamonds, her mother is seated on the throne. On waking, she asks her mother, Princess Chokhmah, if this means they will return to the devastated Kingdom of Pelf. "I do not know, my darling," Chokhmah admitted. "I do not see how that is possible."