The survivors from Kirke's rout—numbering about fifty men, total—are brought before the consortes. These unfortunate soldiers had been cut off from Kirke's main army during the final assault. A lone scout, Brandon Frey, led these survivors south, where they stumbled across the Rucks of the Ebon Quill. Brandon provides a few more details of the battle: Argus, it seems, was bolstered by fresh reinforcements from Nestor, and together this was enough to turn the battle in the ruck's favor. Kirke, as far as Brandon could tell, still lives—but his army is in full retreat before the victorious Argus.

The Rucks of the Quill prepare for imminent battle, and after some discussion it is agreed that the Pentian rucks will make their stand not far from the camp. To bolster their fighting spirit, Friar Sidrach preaches fiery sermons to the troops, while Vandoren plays inspiring songs of glory. Meanwhile, the winter storm builds in strength.

At first light, the vanguard of Argus's force approaches through the snowy pine forest. They are six hundred armored Black-Blades, marching in close ranks. Sir Hamral, Friar Sidrach, and Valerius approach alone to negotiate, and are met by a Black-Blade herald and a standard bearer. Argus's representatives demand the immediate surrender of the Rucks of the Ebon Quill, and brag that the army before our heroes is none other than Prince Argus's own elite guard, the same force that drove off Kirke. In response, Mendelor steps forward and doffs his cloak, revealing the armor of the slain Prince Briareus. This sight sends both armies into a frenzy, and the parlay is abandoned.

Prince Argus's guard begins by marching forward in file. Valerius steps up and conjurers a foul, poisonous vapor that slays all whom it touches. The vapor rips a great hole in the ruckish ranks, and a second vapor is enough to cause the army to fall back. Valerius follows up by conjuring a mat of webs that entangle and hinder entire Black-Blade units. Vandoren uses his wondrous boots to harry the rear of the force with the horn of fog and with potent spells of his own. Within a few moments, nearly two hundred Black-Blades are either killed or incapacitated by magic alone. The Rucks of the Ebon Quill watch all of this mayhem with considerable glee.

Meanwhile, a second group of Argus's guard secretly approaches from the rear, surprising the Rucks of the Quill. This second force is at least as large as the first. Despite being badly outnumbered, the Rucks of the Quill —hungry for battle and bolstered by Friar Sidrach's prayers—charge these new arrivals.

The battle is fierce and bloody: few sights are more savage than ruck fighting ruck. The Ebon Quill gives better than it is given, but eventually sheer numbers sway the battle, and entire units of Pentian rucks begin to fall before the Black-Blades. Meanwhile, the first group of Black-Blades regroups and resumes its march forward.

After carefully weighing the options, the consortes reluctantly call a retreat, with a few units of the Ebon Quill ordered to remain behind to slow down the enemy. Luke and Mark insist on staying with these doomed units, despite the Friar's pleas. Their captains' bravery inspires the rest of the Ebon Quill, and the entire army remains behind while the consortes flee to safety.

Valerius confronts the Vavasor, who seems to take some unholy delight in this turn of events. Valerius asks his former master if he is behind this disaster, but the Vavasor does not answer. Valerius then asks if there is anything he can do to save the Vavasor. The ruined magician only answers, "You should first worry about yourself." With this, Valerius nods grimly and embraces his master. Valerius draws a dagger and plunges it into the belly of the Vavasor, but the blade draws no blood, and the hole closes immediately. The Vavasor looks sadly at his old pupil, and murmurs, "If it were that easy, I would have done that myself."

The remaining Rucks of the Ebon Quill stand their ground and fight to the death against overwhelming odds. And as they fight, the Ebon Quill undertakes a strange transformation: the tired soldiers grow even braver and more skilled, fighting magnificently against Argus's guard. The matchless Mark and Luke lead the charge, and each captain slays dozens of Black-Blades before finally falling. And although the Ebon Quill is completely wiped out, they leave Argus's proud guard shaken and bloodied.

All values are given as 3E experience points. The Roleplaying Award (RP) includes PBM responses, as well as participation in the live session. The Other Awards were given out to Curt for painting yet more miniatures, to Jason for setting up the Summer Hooch Trivia Challenge and to Chip for winning the contest, and to Eddie for the Great Magic Tournament.