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.

Framed for the carnival massacre, the Mighty Nein must come together to rescue a young girl and clear their names - if they don't kill each other first. Meanwhile, Essek and Trent Ikithon begin their Beacon experiments. Trent is thrilled by the implications, leaving Essek to reconsider his choices.

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.

The Mighty Nein seek out a notorious smuggler in Zadash called "The Gentleman", who can provide them with protection against Volstrucker assassins – on one condition. They must procure an ancient treasure for him. But they must learn to work together or face deadly consequences.

After the Mighty Nein prove their worth, The Gentleman offers another assignment – to steal a mysterious Kryn artifact. Competing desires, however, lead the Nein on separate journeys throughout Zadash. While in the Dynasty, Essek betrays Verrat after a devastating loss.

After the Mighty Nein reunite, they embark on an elaborate heist to steal the mysterious Kryn artifact for The Gentleman. But when their plan completely falls apart, it's unclear how the Nein will even escape with their lives.