The four visitors to Blasingdell gaze about the interior of “The Salt of the Urth” looking for a patron with whom to strike up a conversation. A dusty looking older man seated at a table in the corner beckons them over and gestures to the empty chairs. He introduces himself as Shadwick. He is foreman of the salt mine and has just come in to unwind after a long day. His name rings a bell, and they recall that this is the gentleman whom Hilbert the cart driver had suggested they seek out. The four introduce themselves, and Shadwick, curious, asks what brings them to the out-of-the-way little town of Blasingdell. Sartan is quite open, telling him that they are heeded to the Stone Tooth seeking information about his lost colleagues from long ago. Shadwick recognizes the names that Sartan gives, and he ruefully breaks the news that he is familiar with that long-ago adventuring party, and has reason to believe that they came to a bad end. He suggests that they join him at his home for dinner, and they can talk it over. Sartan buys the remaining 10 bar patrons a round, and they walk out into the night with Shadwick. They walk through the dirt roads of the little town, to a humble thatch-roofed frame house. Shadwick calls to his wife to put out extra food for guests. She is somewhat flustered, but she is a good hostess and she pulls together what meager fare they can spare. Shadwick calls for his son, who is just home from work (also at the mine). Wicklow is a man in his late 20s. He has unkempt brown hair and a stubbled chin, and like most of the locals wears simple work clothes. He is surprised to see guests in his house – but he too is open and welcoming. Over dinner, when presented with the nature of the adventurers’ quest, Wicklow relates his recollections of the Krago expedition, and the time he spent with them. About 20 years ago, Krago, Ahura-Mazda, Lefto, Marvin, and a wizard whom he can’t quite remember had come to town on their way to the explore the stone tooth. The Shadwicks had befriended them while they spent some time in town before making their foray to the Stone Tooth. A young impressionable lad with a taste for adventure, Wicklow was quite taken with this group of hearty explorers. They told him stories of their exploits, and he hung on their every word. Wicklow now can still recalls the enthusiasm with which those explorers approached life. They were heroes to him. Eventually, they set out on their journey, and were gone for days, maybe a week, maybe more… it was so long ago, and he was so young that he can’t be sure. But they returned. No, only some of them returned. The mysterious wizard was missing, as was the halfling, Lefto. Krago and his remaining team looked beaten up, and disturbed. They no longer had the lightness of heart from before. They did not say what happened, other than to say they they meant to go back to the Stone Tooth and get their friends back. They stayed a couple of days to lick their wounds and then they grimly and resolutely set out again. Before they left, Krago left the boy this relic they had retrieved from the dungeons beneath the stone tooth. Wicklow unveils a short sword that he has had in his safe keeping ever since then. He prizes this item, and keeps in in memory of that heroic band, for he never saw them again. Now, years have passed, and his own urge for adventure has lain dormant, while he turned his attention to the responsibilities of adulthood.

Sartan examines the sword, and sure enough it bears the mark of Durgeddin. He chastises Wicklow and his entire family for being so naive and trusting as to reveal this valuable weapon to a band of heavily armed strangers. He assures them that he means them no harm, but it was very foolish of them to be so open with strangers. They need to be wiser about who they trust. Wicklow and his family are duly chastised.

Cycek asks whether Wicklow might consider joining them on their adventure. They have a shared interest. Plus they could use a guide, and Wicklow could have the adventure he has foregone all these years. These leads to much discussion among the Shadwick family. Ultimately, the reluctant parents have to admit they their son is an adult and has to make his own decisions. Sartan decides to test his aptitude for swordplay. They each grab a poker from the set of fireplace tool and try to disarm each other. Sartan notices that Wicklow is quite strong and agile, having spent many years at hard physical labor. He has very little experience or technique with weapons, but he seems physically well-suited for the life of an adventurer.

They all turn in for the night. The adventurers sleep on the floors of the dining room and living room of the tiny home. In the morning, after a modest breakfast, they spend some more time training. They have him try various weapons to see what suits him best. He has had a great deal of experience swinging hammers, but he seems most comfortable with a shortsword. They discuss options for obtaining some armor for the young man. He seems to be coming to a conclusion that yes, he will go on this adventure, but for today he must go to work. In his absence, the rest of the group go to the Kheldegan Tolm’s Superior Dry Good and General Store.

Kheldegan is an old dwarf. He tells the party a bit about the history of the hobgoblin wars, which he actually lived through. He knows of the legend of Durgeddin. He has heard rumors of demons in the forest and hobgoblins returning to the area. The party confirms the truth of these rumors. Kheldegan greets this news with the impassive acceptance of one who has seen much and is not surprised to see it again. He fears demons, and hates hobgoblins. But when they tell him of having encountered Duergar he responds with utter revulsion. “Duergar are a disgrace to Dwarvenkind!”

The party decide to purchase a week’s worth of provisions for the Shadwick family. The pay Keldegan, who will deliver the groceries to the Shadwicks. As they leave the general store they ponder spending another day preparing Wicklow for the journey, should he decide to accompany them.