After returning home to surprise two hooded intruders, a pitched battle ensues. One intruder escapes with Shakerly's ruckblade, while the other is pummeled into submission. The captured man is identified as Peter, his partner as Harry—both hired by Tim. Shakerly disposes of Peter in a dark alley.

The next morning Heremac is shocked by the discovery of Peter's corpse. That morning, the party meets St. James, a young vagabond, who volunteers his services. St. James approaches Tim at the Thistle and Briar, feigning interest in purchasing some ruckish weapons. A second meeting is arranged.

That night Tim accepts St. James's coin, but withholds the ruckblade—demanding that St. James perform a job for him in the next couple of days. Meanwhile, the rest of the party visits Tim's empty house near the North Gate. They find a small coffer and a secret passage underneath his house. The passage is trapped, forcing our heroes to retreat, bearing a paralyzed Shakerly. The coffer contains coins and two documents: one is an itinerary, outlining a trip into the Ruckish Hills. The second is a letter which reads

I need the merchandise delivered by the end of the month. Meet me at the usual place by the XXIX of Caulding. Our friends have even more goodies.

--His Lordship.

St. James is called upon to accompany several of Tim's men on an upcoming trip, headed by his new friend Harry.

The party quickly develops a plan, but bad weather and unfamiliar terrain cause problems. Luckily, our heroes intercept the train just in time to save St. James from Harry, who is attempting to carry out an order to murder the young man. After a short battle, Tim's men are dead, and the merchandise is discovered: human captives from Heremac—including the missing merchants. The party returns to Farmingdale for a badly needed rest, and they stay at the small parish church.

Valerius, examining the contents of a small box, finds that it contains objects of magical nature: two potions and a small, mysterious bauble.