Fallow is being scolded by the Shadow Lord for allowing the topaz to be taken from the Forests of Silence. He is ordered to regain the gem and bring it back to the Shadow Lord. Meanwhile, Lief, Barda, Jasmine, Filli and Kree are stuck in the middle of a nasty storm. Jasmine still has her doubts about taking their current path to get to the Lake of Tears, as it conflicts with the area where the evil sorceress Thaegan resides. She suggests taking a longer, alternative route, but Barda explains that they simply do not have time, and they cannot risk being caught by Grey Guards. Lief agrees.