Mishok and Cycek encounter a pair of Flaming Fist guards while walking through central Shadowfurst on their way back to the Yur Inn. There are some initial hostile words, but after some discussion, the guards agree to accompany the pair of adventurers back to the pub.

Meanwhile, Davros interrogates the captured gang-member, Mr. Livist. Livist begs for mercy and tries to bargain for his release. Davros will not accept any offer from the prisoner. He berates him and refutes every statement the man makes. After a while, they hear floorboards creaking overhead. They gag the man and go upstairs, where they find that Mishok and Cycek have returned in the company of two Flaming Fist. Lolly serves them drinks and the six men discuss the various troubles facing Shadowfurst.

The guards tell them that there is a widespread belief that the murders are being committed by cultists of  “The Dead Three.” There is an acquaintance of theirs… a spy of sorts, or perhaps the term “informant” is more apt who has been poking around for some information. She hangs out at a place called “The Elfsong Tavern” in the north side of town.

Once the guards depart, Mishok goes downstairs to have his own go at the prisoner. Livist has become truly frightened for his life, and is willing to give up some names. His boss is Mortlock Vanthampur… head of the Stoneheaded Bastards. Livist believes his life will be forfeit if the gang learns he betrayed them. But he will promise to leave town and never trouble them again if they let him free. Mishok has an idea to make him commit to accompanying Brother Tibalt and his acolytes to Blasingdell. Livist agrees.