Traveling from the Guild Hall in Justininople, Qing arrives by train and boat and cart to Stonebarrow. He gets off in the gypsy camp, and is met by Madame Natasha, who invites him into her wagon. She warns him of the attitudes he might encounter regarding the College and its past attempts to purge Sylvania. Qing notes that the power of Caroban is not equal to that of the former combined campuses, and that it can't afford to take such a stance anymore – and that Qing certainly isn't going to either.

Natasha explains about the necromancer and his quest to become a lich, recounting the battle in Stonebarrow. Qing promises to make certain there are no lingering traces of the creature. Liliana pops in to tell Natasha that Bravil has been moved to the castle for the upcoming ritual. Qing inquires about it, and learns that Bravil is trapped in a nightmare, and that Natasha is going to attempt to enter it. Qing offers his services if they should be needed.

On the way out, he catches a glimpse of Natasha's face, and gets a sense of familiarity.