When morning comes, the two engines begin their race. He then has a slight argument about who is faster with Gordon, ending with a decision to race the very next day. Later that night, Spencer returns back to Sodor and arrives at Tidmouth Sheds, saying that the Earl has asked for him again. He then mentions something about King Godred's golden crown, leaving a rather puzzled Thomas. Sir Robert Norramby clambers aboard Millie’s coach and thanks Thomas for helping him.

Millie explains that she had been locked up in her shed whilst the Earl was travelling, but she was now able to steam freely again. Thomas guesses this must be Millie, which she is. When he arrives, a little blue bubbly French engine rolls up next to him. Later, Thomas is sent to Brendam Docks to pick up some more crates to take to the estate at Ulfstead Castle. He then mentions that he promised someone called Millie that he would be at the castle by 2:00, but none of the engines know who he is talking about. Thinking it is for somebody else, he clambers back into his coach and says goodbye to them all. The Fat Controller greets a very surprised Sir Robert Norramby, who gets confused about whom the party is for. All the engines then gather at Knapford Station and soon Spencer steams in bringing the Earl. All the engines become very excited and soon there are lots of preparations for the Earl's arrival. The Fat Controller comes up and tells all the engines that Sir Robert Norramby will be arriving back on Sodor from travelling the world. None of them know why, but Emily knows Spencer is coming and James thinks a special visitor is arriving. Later, all the engines and Thomas' coaches were sent to the washdown. Percy thinks it is alive and runs away, but Thomas stays and wonders why the suit of armour was there and who it belonged to. Thomas biffs a truck into another, causing a crate to fall out. One morning at Brendam Docks, Thomas and Percy are shunting, but not very carefully.

King of the railway