With Falzbin's assistance in place of Almyra, the group tries to take the fight to the Frost Claw before things complicate further. Along the way both Scabbard and Iocain make themselves known in a frightening way. A reckless face enters the fray.

As investigations into Mirkwire's work around the city kicks into high gear several new enemies show up, stalking and watching the group from the shadows. 

With the house secure and Winchester returned the Highest Standard prepares for their meeting with The Empty Promise, wary of their various connections to The Family and the complications they may bring up. As they prep a dinner fit for such a guest they realize they've been closer to the organization than they thought.

Exploration of the haunted Fallgreave Estate continues. The fate of the former residents is made clear, as well as the necromantic interests they held that continued into the afterlife.

The house where the Family is said to operate turns out to be a handful, with dark spirits haunting it and tormenting the group. They press forward regardless, looking for clues about Winchester.

The group goes to meet with Edregan to get things settled. With Agravain of the Merchant Lords putting an unwilling hit out on them the group becomes more involved with the aristocracy of the city, and finds out that a tournament celebrating the end of High-Lord Morrian's thirty year reign will be happening. With rumors about Winchester surfacing the party sets their sights on getting back Quintus's prized companion.

Before dealing with the mercenaries sent to attack them the group checks back in at Fort Deepwell to retrieve Kiverium's research. When they arrive they find the fort's situation has greatly worsened. The extent of the damage is beyond what The Highest Standard could have possibly expected.

Kiverium is recovered, their business with the Esper concludes and Almyra is recovered from the Crystal Queen's castle. With everything settle the long trip back to Summergrass begins. The group worries about the watchful eye of the Crystal Queen just as they're confronted by a mercenary who warns them that a target has been painted on their backs.

The exploration of the Crystal Queen's castle leads to some intimate encounters with old friends and enemies. The Queen puts on display her power when the white dragon Eldrawyrm is unleashed upon her and the team makes their desperate escape.

Am portal is opened to a castle in the Strikelands, owned by the conquering Crystal Queen. The Highest Standard invades during a grand celebration and try to blend in. Various familiar faces are found among the crowds as the group looks for the container where Raleigh's soul is being held.