Olivia runs into the group of Kadies and Qing as she's leaving the gypsy camp. As they all head for the Gnarly Tree and the Sealing Box, Olivia and the others fill in more detail about the attack, the way Valicross operated and his various talents. Qing also requests a chance to examine where Valicross met his end at the dam.

At the Gnarly Tree, they encounter Isolde, who is a bit terse with the Mage. She must have heard about him though, since she has a bag full of baking powder that she insists he uses to mask his odor lest it get into her rugs.

Qing is pushed close to the limit of patience, but submits to being doused by Morgan. Gunther runs off to warn the dam of his coming visit before things get too tense, and Amy and Olivia go off with Isolde to have tea.

Eventually Qing is brought by Morgan to the underground chamber holding the Sealing Box, and Qing begins his preparations to open it.