The Children of Nia, invite those fighting the Dark Monarchs to the Valley of Nia, a one time Rebel stronghold on Dust, now long abandonned.

Those searching for Horatio Dove's lost treasure disturbed the City of the Dead; those who sleep were woken. The treasure was retrieved, then lost when a runner charged with its safe return to the Valley was attacked on route. It was finally recovered again.

Fomori, riding on engines, crossed the hostile desert to arrive at the Valley of Nia. Their machines blew up and they were wiped out by those gathered to help the Nians. Some of their number were bleeding a nasty black ichor.

Nia, in her three aspects, revealed that she was dying because so few believed in her. She requested that those gathered show respect in a ritual to strengthen her.

Somehow the Blood Queen learnt of the Valley of Nia and rode in on a storm made up of the Sands of Time. The Horologists weathered the storm as Navigators held open a portal, diverting the energies away from the Valley as the ritual to strengthen Nia continued. One aspect of Nia died, but the ritual suceeded and the horror known as the Blood Queen was banished.

A group ventured into Hades' domain within the Netherworld and wrested it from his control. Hades was defeated by being taken to the end of the path of souls by Ameralus and his former domain claimed initially in the name of Enlightenment, although its current status is uncertain. Ameralus died in the process, and his soul returned to the Morrigan.

Arak is cured of his madness, but the Seelie Queen, Jessandra, is killed.