Rory fancies Ariadne.Ariadne considers him irresponsible.When they both travel to Ruritania - a country of no fixed location - Rory's capacity for trouble is increased. He becomes embroiled in Ruritania's political unrest and is soon being hunted by both the Communist revolutionaries, led by the fascinating and elusive Klarissa, and the national security forces and their British allies. He even faces a life-threatening situation in the Faerie Realm, with which Ruritania is closely linked.Before National Cake Day, the summer solstice, Rory must exercise all his skills in logic, marathon running and Morris-dancing to save his life, prevent a national crisis and discover why Britain's secret service wants to protect Ruritania's government. And - perhaps - to win Ariadne.