Gohdin works diligently to learn how to read, study alchemy, and attempt to find Sashro his promised reward. Tired of the constant reading, he takes a stroll up to the peak of Surton Spire. Selda and Corallan have an update for the King. Humans are approaching, and there are eyes watching them.

Within Dezrana, capital of the Protharian Empire, there are many guildhalls. These adventuring guilds share ideals. Paramount among them is the concept of adventurers remaining separate from civilized warfare. Now, the golden teams of Battle Maidens and Shattering Hammer are called in to discuss the Emperor's demands. Called to act like soldiers, these powerful individuals are bound to the nation through decree. While not agreeable to the teams, the coin might just be enough to convince them... to travel north. Carmoss and Rothmire have been attacked. Something may have awakened.

Gohdin has granted the city permission to hold fights in the arena while Surton Spire's lock down continues. The farm boy finds it repulsive, but the King finds it fascinating. A fine opportunity to try out his newest spells.

Azix, spy for Surton Spire, writes a report on his findings. The name of Rothmire's secret druid.

Christoph is studying in Sanctum Mortem when Sashro pays him a visit. The old wizard is suspicious, but perhaps all of this is an opportunity to achieve his own goals.

Sashro, down in The Lock, performs one of his many daily duties. Within the fourth level of Tartarus, he interrogates criminals and enemies of the crown. Within a cage, there is a slime. Bartleboth's body gurgles with the mannerisms of Gem the goblin. Sashro had found the jewel Gem carried. He'd found it, and now he wants to know where the goblin had stolen it from.

Christoph considers what to do with his own lifeless corpse. Perhaps he should raise him as an undead. Perhaps, he could let himself rest. He struggles with his own thoughts on the matter.

Trostin, an investigation mage of Protharian Empire, reviews the corpses of Rothmire. Alone in the tent, he attempts to delve deeper than permitted by law. Disturbing the dead is illegal. With magic, more so. It also comes with a bit of danger.