While in Upchurch Sir Hamral, Vandoren, Mendelor, Owen, and Valerius hear about the brutal murder of Tim's henchman, Bartle. Our heroes speculate as to who might be behind this deed, and they wonder if there is a connection to the recent murder of Claudius, seneschal to Lownell. The latest news from Utterbol holds that Sarpedon has returned to the castle there, while ruckish troops continue to gather at Derwich.

The group travels to Lownell and meets with Sir John the Bastard. Sir John has heard through his spies that King Tereus himself is traveling to Derwich, along with his two sons Serapis and Typhon. Sir John denies any knowledge of Bartle's murder, and no one present can gainsay him.

The group then heads toward Derwich to scout out Busirane's army. As they approach through heavy snows, they find that the area is being heavily patrolled, and our heroes are unable to get very close to Derwich. After encountering and then evading Black-Blade patrol, the group heads south to Eredy and the Seeker garrison.

There Vandoren attempts to talk his way into a meeting with Sir Gregory, the Seeker commander at Eredy, but the minstrel is rebuffed. Sir Hamral chats with some brother-knights, who indicate that Gregory is well aware that the ruck-men are stirring in Derwich.

The group then returns to Lownell and Sir John, hoping that he can once more help them infiltrate Utterbol castle. The Bastard claims that he cannot get our heroes back into Utterbol, since many of his spies there were executed following Nestor's rescue.

After a brief layover in Upchurch -- at the urging of Valerius, Vandoren, and Hamral -- the group decides to visit Langdale Hall, since Mendelor and Owen have not yet had the privilege of meeting Sir Leoline or his wife, the fair Lady Geraldine. Sir Will Garnfellow also accompanies the group on the visit, and everyone has a very fine time in Langdale. Upon returning to Upchurch Sir Hamral begins furiously preparing for a visit from the lovely Geraldine.