Jynx, sporting a disguise as a calico Khatta, searches the docks for any sign of a ship flying the flag of the "claw-bird", but comes up dry. He finds a familiar face, though – that of Captain Mountainglade, who – with his wife, Springwillow – took Jynx to Titania for another special mission in their hot-air-balloon craft.

Jynx questions them and learns that a ship with a "claw-bird" emblem did indeed leave port, headed for Half Valley or thereabouts. Jynx finds out the price for a journey, then heads back home to pack. There, Eve pesters him until he begrudgingly allows her to come along – either that, or risk his parents finding about his plans before he can make an escape. Jynx then pays fare for himself and his sister, and they set out on the ship for Half Valley.

On the way, Jynx learns that there are two other passengers he didn't know about: Master Long Tooth, the Kiriga who assailed him at the Ashdodite Embassy (mistaking him for Shikouju), and Pookums (aka "Pooky"), Eve's pet fuff'nar. Jynx maintains his disguise, though one evening he finds Eve playing a game with Master Long Tooth, and she almost blabs their mission. Jynx learns that Master Long Tooth has a rivalry with Shikouju, and while he is heading this direction in order to find Lady Martinette, his ultimate goal is to locate the Sable Palm.