Jynx, Scarlet and Born-in-Shame finally arrive at Blackshire Village, after sundown, after fighting several more mutated wildlife on the way there. At their approach, shutters are shut and doors slammed, as the villagers roll in the "welcome mat", so to speak.

Despite this, our heroes find their way to the Blackshire Inn, where they hear the sounds of music … as played by their foppish fox "friend", who has composed a ditty about Jynx. Inside the inn, Jynx arranges for rooms, and they are introduced to a Sylvanian Eeee by the name of Darken, who is the local sheriff … as well as a couple of Korvs – Schoolmaster Horace Bookman, and Farmer Poe. A hunchback Skreek named Ysnor watches quietly from the corner.

Upon finding out that Jynx intends to reclaim Blackshire Keep, Bookman and Poe disuade him strongly, suggesting that there is some sort of curse that drove his Great Aunt Alysin mad. After these ominous warnings, the two crows depart. Ysnor, caretaker of Blackshire Keep, strongly protests any insinuations that Duke Phelix – Jynx's ancestor – was evil in any way.

Sheriff Darken looks over Jynx's papers, and notes that while he owns the land, he has not inherited the title of Duke – an odd arrangement.

So, planning on heading out with Ysnor to Blackshire Keep the next day, Jynx and his companions turn in for the night after a weary journey (and several battles).