Chiaroscuro, recently returned to Rephidim after his ordeal at Little Rephidim West, is street-performing to earn extra money for a gift for Envoy. Some kavi run past, upsetting a naga nearby. To Chiaroscuro's surprise, a kavi girl shouts something mocking at the snake in Kitellian, Chipper's native tongue. He chases after the kavi group, which piles into a hot-air balloon. It seems that more kavi are running a tour in a picturesque region called 'The Half Valley', which Rephidim is currently over. He has no choice but to charter a balloon to follow. The mongoose gets to know the place, and meet some townsfolk. A few are nice to him, most regard him with suspicion. Eventually, he meets Marshal Roan Thistlewithers and Magistrate Warren Whitewhiskers. It seems an Imperial hunter has turned up missing, and the Marshal suspects the local kavi of having something to do with it. Chiaroscuro does as well, for his own reasons. Though the Marshal wants to keep the mongoose in custody, Warren thinks that Chiaroscuro can help them learn more about the kavi, and potentially the whereabouts of the missing hunter. Chipper gains a comrade, and prepares to begin his investigation.