Fighting for their lives, the party continued their battle against the Black Horse Bounty Hunters in a high-walled canyon. The melee continued until the group's leader Renard was slain by Bryn (specifically her horse). At the defeat of Renard, Kathor ordered the remaining men to stand down, claiming that the group was under his leadership now, and he was not going to continue their pursuit of the party. The group parted on good terms.
Wrapping their wounds, the party continued along their way, eventually reaching the outskirts of the Fire Forest. There, they discovered a two-story farmhouse, and a young lady standing before it. The young lady was starring off into the distance as the party approached. As they greeted her, she shared a strange premonition - "The Scourge comes, and the skulls of the dragon pursue you. I saw it in a dream." Snapping out of her trance, the young lady introduced herself as Crystin, and promptly shared a request for the party. She asked if they could help she and her father Haddin leave their farm and find safety from the Ragesian Scourge. The party asked if they could sleep on it, and Crystin invited them to stay at the house.
Entering their home, the party met Crystin's father Haddin. Jack knew that he was a notorious wizard from Gate Pass, and quickly warned the party of this fact, insisting they sleep outside.
Once dinner was finished and the party situated outside, Jack returned within to attempt to convince Haddin to leave the farm with them. Jack's attempt failed, leading Rayland to try. His attempt also failed, but while within the house, Rayland was able to unlock a window. He returned to the party with a crazy idea - they were going to kidnap Haddin. The party then began deliberations, deciding what course of action to take.