The Muffler's Misery. The Mufflers, #3

The sequel to The Muffler's Ministry and The Muffler's Mission. Cronos has been defeated again, but the latent threat remains. The Oracle - AKA The Muffler - is working on a plan for long-term safety but is reluctant to reveal the details. Rowan and Tia have more pressing concerns. Tia's ever-growing magical ability threatens to kill her unless it stops. Rowan's Dad is missing, spreading unfamiliars across the land, causing chaos in his quest to weaken the Oracle.
Portsea is undergoing its own transformation, transferring direct power from the Ministries to some form of elected leadership, for good or ill. The neighbouring region of Brightgate serves as a reminder of how things can go wrong. Brightgate's authoritarian leader blames Portsea - Rowan in particular - for the spread of unfamiliars. He seals the border and begins to build up troops nearby. Conflict appears inevitable.
First, Tia must visit Emforth to get a minor marital mess sorted. At least nothing could possibly go wrong there. Could it?