The City of Solebreuve

The King's Hand arrives at the city and quickly determines their plan before nightfall. Marik and Cailynn travel to the Golden Lion Inn in an attempt to learn more of Roquette's pirates and their plan, while Edwinn, Xanthe and Via make their way to the brass compass to secure rooms for the night. They are surprised to find Elim, a former teacher of Marik's, running the establishment. He recognizes them but does nothing to give away their identity, saying he'll make sure to keep an eye out for any enemies during their stay.

Xanthe and Via discuss the severing needle, with Via offering to let Xanthe use it as she feels that she can't use it as it would selfishly save her and not her friends. Xanthe doubles down though, saying that it's not Via's choice and that she must use the needle. Via grows upset from Xanthe's words and ignores her.

Marik and Via investigate the Golden Lion Inn but are unable to learn much, except that Roquette and her pirates had been there, however they had left after gaining help from an influential friend. It wouldn't be until Cailynn returned later that evening, that she'd learn this friend was actually Zayd Ibn Lucien, the same member of the cult that Xanthe spoke to back at the Golden Chrysalis.

After gathering their information, the King's Hand decide to travel north of the wall in order to find a crypt mound that has a secret entrance which should lead them to the lower levels of the Sanctum Depths, with the hopes of getting in and out before Roquette's crew can make their own attempt.

Marik speaks with Elim, catching up after many years. Marik fills the man in on their current objective, and Elim agrees to come with them and help. He speaks of Via's mother, and how she spoke of a vision where Elim would be approached by a broken hand and he must adi them, no matter the cost. He fills Marik in on how he met Talon, with the young king saving his life and leading Elim to become Marik's tutor.

Later that night, Via speaks with Marik about her concerns about using the needle on herself. Marik suggests that with Via using it on herself, it might actually buy more time for them to find another solution to help Poppy and Isadora. Along with this, Marik makes a personal plea to have Via save herself so it can be one less thing he has to worry about. Via agrees to use the needle, feeling less selfish about using it to save herself, and Marik promises to do whatever he can to find a way to help Poppy and Isadora.

At Marik's request, Via goes to speak with Thorn and make peace, finally accepting that this young dragon was not the evil she imagined it to be. She apologizes to Thorn and asks to make amends, which Thorn accepts. The two agree to move past their troubled start and start truly working together.

After a night's rest, the King's Hand departs with their allies, minus Zepharos, to head North of the city to the graveyard, hoping to quickly find this secret entrance to the Sanctum Depths.