Chapter IX, Stone Wager; Chapter X, Resolutions; Chapter XI, Tidings from Bingtown Summary

In Chapter IX, Stone Wager, Winter Fest occurs in Buckkeep. Tom is overwhelmed. He instructs Dutiful in the mornings and masquerades as Golden's servant. He spies on Civil Bresinga, but cannot find anything incriminating. Tom thinks the Piebalds have forgotten about him. The Queen announces criminals cannot be executed. Tom goes to find Hap at the Stuck Pig, the tavern, and he finds Laurel, who has been drinking and crying. Her horse has been killed. She is not Witted (magic to sense and bond with animals), but she is distraught. Tom hugs Laurel and Jinna enters. She sees them hugging and leaves. Tom sees how upset Jinna is. Laurel says she will leave Buckkeep. She is afraid of what they will...