Cycek and Mishok take their leave of Mayor Strongbow, weighing the many concerns now troubling the city. They decide to pay a visit to the Church of St. Terragnis on their way back across town. They enter the quiet church and the find Brother Tibalt busying himself about the altar. He greets them warmly, and he is pleased to see them. He is a man of faith and hope, but he must share some somber news. He visits Father Baird routinely, and sadly he has found that over time, the fallen priest becomes more entrenched in madness. Tibalt, with the assistance of his loyal acolytes, has continued to operate their church, and continues to serve the public. But not all the public is faithful, or indeed, lawful. Several weeks ago, the church was broken into, and two notable artifacts were stolen. Once was an ancient shield that Father Baird had discovered in his explorations beneath the church. The other was a Throgsden family heirloom – known as a Belt of Dwarvenkind. He laments the loss of the valuable items, but further laments the depths to which people will sink. Mishok tells Tibalt of the events in Blasingdell, and inquires whether Tibalt might have the ability of heal the denizens of that town. Tibalt suggests that he might consider it a worthy mission of mercy. If he brings two of his most skilled acolytes, he believes that he may have the skill and faith to save the people of Blasingdell. He asks if, in turn, Mishok would be willing to serve as interim pastor of the Church. Mishok says that he will consider it. They agree to discuss it further and, for now, say their farewells.

Meanwhile, back at the Yur Inn, Davros and Sartan consider how they might strengthen the flimsy temporary façade of the building. They quickly realize that they don’t have the skills to do much with the construction materials that are lying around on their grounds.  Sartan is irritated with Lolly’s overspending on construction, but she is full of enthusiasm for the venture. While she is vigorously describing her vision, the door opens and a man comes in. Lolly immediately becomes nervous. She addresses him as Mr. Livist and she begins making him a cocktail known as a “Bloody Marilith.” Livist is a short but muscular man wearing leather armor. He has an arrogant demeanor, and soon makes it known that he is the collector of protection money, on behalf of the Stoneheaded Bastards. He reminds Lolly that her next payment is due in a week. He sips his drink and scoffs at the two owners of the bar. Preparing  to leave, he “accidentally” knocks his drink off the bar, leaving a big mess for Lolly to clean up. As he laughs and turns to leave (without having paid for his drink) Sartan smacks him in the back of the head with the pommel of his sword. The man crashes to the ground, unconscious. Davros and Sartan promptly tie him up, and plan to interrogate him.