The Protectors of the Pass arrived in the town of Eresh, finding everyone, including an invading Ragesian army, in a strange malaise. Revansoul found another Rayland clone, this one named Rick, who claimed to have seen Aemon Ming traveling with Riv. However, Rick mentioned that Riv was different - he now had feathered wings that allowed him to fly.
Winry caught up with some friends, as well as her father and brother, though all were taken by the strange lethargy.
While investigating the town for clues, the Protectors found a shrine to the elemental power of fire burned down. They also learned from two monks from the Monastery of the Two Winds, now stranded in the town, that the two monastic leaders were in disagreement. Pilas, follower of the East Wind of aggression and action, believed the monks should pick a side in the war. However, Longinus, follower of the West Wind of calm and peace, believed the monastery should remain isolationist.
Finding all they could within the town, the party began making their way up the mountain to the monastery at its peak. Before they arrived though, the Protectors were invited into a nearby home. Within, an invisible voice spoke to them. The female voice uttered "I am Balance, and you've met my kin." Meanwhile, a male voice stated "The scale weighs heavy, and your actions will tip it."
Continuing toward the monastery, the friends were harried by strange birds, as well as windy elementals, impeding their progress. Fighting their way through the challenges, the Protectors of the Pass continued to climb, toward the monastery, and toward answers to the strange happenings in Eresh.