Ethelbald invites Will to a celebration of the new year in Whitesails. He attends with Bee, who says she wants to visit the Academy afterward. Will agrees to take her, but the Academy is not so easy to get to...

Will and Menel investigate why the seasons are not changing as they should in the surrounding forest. Two wise Lords of the Forest may have the answers they seek... as well as a warning of what's yet to come.

Just when it seems Will's fate is sealed, Stagnate appears and resurrects the former residents of the Iron Country. Gracefeel transfers their souls into Will, giving him the courage to face Valacirca again. Will's epic battle reaches its climax...