The party spent eight hours at a ranger's way station near Ragnarcorn Mountain, where each member pursued personal activities during their downtime. Kagen crafted a medallion, Oz'zariah practiced exercises and carved a journey staff, Opus foraged for alchemical reagents, Nyx created stone figurines of her companions, Vayra brewed tea and documented their travels, and Lumine scouted the area. During their night watches, they encountered the Tal Kafar specter and his panther companion, ultimately freeing the trapped spirits by breaking an enchanted dagger through repeated recitations of the Tal Kafar oath. The grateful spirit gave Nyx a magical necklace to guide them to Castendula before finally finding peace.
Using the necklace's guidance, the party reached the dwarven kingdom of Castendula in just four hours, finding the gates damaged and the once-great kingdom in ruins. They met Kolvar Deep Delve, the last gate guard, who led them through desolate halls to the surviving inhabitants: Theron Stonebrow, Dunrick Eilhart, and their leader Barra Ironvane. The dwarves revealed that intruders had penetrated the lower levels seeking the Staff of First Fire, a sacred relic containing primordial flame that had been sealed in the Vault of Ashes. After Kagen's impassioned speech about their purpose as chosen ones, Barra agreed to guide them to the vault to protect the artifact from the underdwellers, warning them sternly against any betrayal of this sacred trust.