Fitz is back to Buckkeep and its court intrigue, still posing as Tom Badelock, Lord Golden's servant. He has to balance teaching Dutiful, being a foster father to Hap, investigate the danger of the Piebald, dealing with his estranged daughter who doesn't know who he is, attempting a romance, spying the Narcheska (Dutiful's future wife), teaching Burrich's rebel son, clearing out his relationship with the fool, all while coping with (view spoiler)[Nighteyes death. (hide spoiler)] 
 So, as you can see, Fitz is a bit overwhelmed and, true to his character, pays little attention to all of these and makes a mess of things. 
 This book is more about the characters than the plot, introducing new ones and developing old ones, preparing us for the third book of this series and the voyage they all must make. 
 As always, let's talk a little about the Fool and Fitz's relationship, which goes through some changes due to Lord Golden's attitude towards Civil on the last book. 
 (view spoiler)[ Basically, rumors of Lord Golden's sexual preference start to appear at court, and, as Fitz is really close to the Fool, their relationship becomes a matter of gossip. Fitz is really annoyed at this and confronts the Fool about his feelings saying he loves him but can never bed him. 
 The fool is really hurt and angry, but more about the fact that Fitz spoke aloud what both already knew and made a mess out of their relationship than the fact that he doesn't want to bed him. He always says that his love has no boundaries. 
 The Fool becomes Lord Golden completely and ignores his relationship with Fitz, treating him like no more than a servant. 
 (hide spoiler)] 
 It is true that a bit of the magic of the fool starts to fade away leaving a man instead of a mystery and his riddles and secrets are missed. But I also like the fact that their friendship is evolving, despite fights and all. What is a friendship without misunderstandings and fights? Their bond is more believable this way.