Maddigan's Fantasia, a travelling circus, leave Solis for its annual run, but is attacked by road rats; their supplies are stolen and Ferdy is badly wounded. However they cannot return to Solis because they have been entrusted with a vital mission. They continue on to find a small encampment, where they meet two strange boys, who ask for asylum...
The Fantasia are stopped by a Hillfolk roadblock, they will be allowed to pass only if Timon and Eden, the two boys, and the baby are handed over. Garland confronts the boys, and finds out that they are from the future, a future where the Fantasia didn't complete their mission, and Solis has fallen.
The Fantasia stop at Gramth, an industrial town, where they need to collect some fuel, however they find that fuel prices are at a premium, due to rebel activity; but all is not as it seems...
Eden and Goneril are accused of witchcraft by the witch-finder in the village of Swamptown. However, there is more to the witch-finder than meets the eye, and Timon must take drastic action to save them...
Bored with their diet of turnips, the Fantasia stop off at Greentown, a town famous for its food, but upon arrival, the entire Fantasia, except for Boomer, fall under a trance of some sort. It is up to Boomer to save the Fantasia from the dark forces at work in Greentown...
Upon reaching a small settlement, Tane, Jewel, Goneril and Eden fall ill with a mysterious disease. To complete their mission, the Fantasia must split; with the ill staying behind and the healthy continuing on. But Garland thinks that she can cure the ill with a little help from the Silver Girl and a mysterious Apothecary...
The Fantasia finally arrive at Newton. However upon arriving they discover an imposter attempting to claim the solar converter for himself, and the children of Newton appear to be in charge. Lilith, fed up of being bossed around, joins the rebellious kids, but when earthquakes threaten their, and the solar converter's, safety, Garland and Eden must intervene to try and save them.
Returning to Solis, the Fantasia come across are stopped by landmines in their path. They must travel through Urukopaina, dangerous underground tunnels, through which they are guided by the Tunnellers, mutated mole-like humans. But trickery is afoot and the tunnels may hold much danger...
The Fantasia win a map from some friendly travellers when they travel off course. But upon following the map they find that they have been tricked; they end up at the sea, where they are captured by Flesh Pirates, who want to sell the women and men and take the solar converter for themselves. How will the Fantasia escape...
The Fantasia are attacked by flying Birdboys while they are resting. Their food is stolen, and the solar converter appears to be missing. They search the Birdboy's camp, but they cannot find it; leading Timon to accused Yves of stealing it, which leads to Yves being accused of treason to the Fantasia...
The Fantasia arrive at Pilgrim's Vantage, a viewing point near Solis, with six weeks to spare. But during the party, Garland sees Yves and Maddie together, and wishes that Ferdy were still here. Timon tells her that they can go back in time using the slider and save Ferdy; and against the wishes of both Eden and the Silver Girl, Garland agrees, but will she succeed...
With just two days to get to Solis, the Fantasia must perform for the Lake People, to get guides across the lake, which is guarded by a fiercesome monster.
The Fantasia arrives at Solis, and are greeted by one of the Dukes of the Solis Council. However, they are unaware that is it a trap, and the Duke is in fact the young Nennog...