Jynx finds himself journeying in a forest of warpwood trees, guided by a mysterious, green-eyed Savanite guide who seems totally unfazed by any of the dangers she faces. Jynx observes the undercarriage of an airship being borne on wheels and pulled by several Beastmen, with some pirates and a bard on board. The bard in question is none other than Palao Alto, the Musician, one of the Compass Rose! Jynx overhears the conspirators talking, and follows them as they take their ship into a great cavern.

Jynx discovers a Rhian woman trying to feed what is apparently her child, kept inside a cage. The head pirate, Captain Swiftkick, sends her away angrily. Jynx pieces together that these children are imprisoned here … perhaps being subjected to a foul magic that will turn them into more Beastmen! Jynx's guide leads him to an idol in a cavern chamber, and they mysteriously pass through … to find the Artifact of Calderas!

Jynx wakes up, finding that he is still aboard the airship taking him on his quest, and is questioned by the air-mage, Calm-Sky. As Jynx reveals that the pirates in his vision knew of their quest and planned a surprise for them, another mage – Stone-Hand – slips out of the room … then barricades Jynx and the others inside! Several stone hands, serving as decoration in the room, spring to life, attacking the cheetahs and the black Khatta. Jynx lures one of the stone fists into punching its way through the door … and taking out the evil mage as well.