Galahad’s newfound fairy dragon companion reveals her true identity as the dragon goddess Hlal. Shanks learns of Salix’s distaste for the dragon and their kind. It’s a tale of betrayal, heartache, and pain. Arguile spends time making himself more familiar with the ship and Zechs joins him. During that time they exchange information about their respective guilds and we learn that not everyone considers their guild family as Zechs does. Hoshino prepares the Legend Lore spell and receives information on The Constable and his machines.

Zechs and Shanks share a heartfelt conversation about their feelings of guilt. Salix reaches out to the Daughter of the Void for some guidance and reassurance. Zechs reaches out to Qho, Kivela, and Cenari and each tells him about what has been happening across Granzia, bestows some wisdom onto their brother, and warns him to be careful. Galahad reveals that the Dragon allied with Antonius is Iron Nimbus Vulsir, a legendary Drulcas.

The group prepares as they make their way to the Glasmeda Isles, using conjure animals to learn aerial combat and Shanks revealing another gift from his patron Elrin. Upon reaching the Isles, they reconnect with Quon and learn of the havoc being wrought by the machines. They must act quickly after they rest for the evening. During the various evening watches, Shanks and Arguile have a discussion that evening about the group's varying moral compasses. Salix trains Duo a bit and Galahad helps Zechs connect with Solonar.

The next day the group secures a meal with a recently caught elk and a guide from a creature that Duo captured and Zechs befriended. The team is led by their animal companion to the beginning of the dome, eventually, coming across a deserted town and plants shaped like Grippli. While they try to discern how long they have until the same fate falls onto them, they realize that the dome has dropped, prompting them to go search for the machine. Upon finding it, they find scorch marks and the appearance of damage that has rendered the machine in need of repair, granting the group and the planes some time. Zechs leaves a teleportation circle at the machine and informs the Swift Hummingbird captain, Cordell, of the change in plans. A new deal is broached between the party and the captain, and they set off to the Heartwood.

There’s so much happening and we pick up with arc 18, “Echoes of the Past”. How will the rest of this story unfold? Find out next time on the Medusa’s Cascade: Collateral Damage!