With Falin still recuperating in the hospital tent, Archanus and Lothar participated in the archery competition, but were both defeated by a strange warrior named Magnus. A nearby bard began singing the praises of Magnus, such as how he "was not afraid to be killed in nasty ways," and Archanis began talking to Magnus, telling him about Lord Cedric and the Resistance.

Meanwhile, Lothar had decided to play another Death Metal song on his electric lyre, which sent the peasants fleeing and prompted a nearby sorcerer named Ashimar to begin throwing tomatoes at him. Eldon, trying to end the pain, shocked Lothar with a taser, which convinced the peasants that he was posessed. They were about to drag him off to the nearest temple to be exorcised until the nearby bard told them that it was all part of his act, telling the story of how the great Magnus had encountered a posessed man.

The group, minus their new companion Gaspar of Highfolk, who decided to stay in Lord Cedric's tents to keep watch, made their way back to Chrysalis, followed by Magnus, who was still talking with Archanus. Along the way, they were attacked by a group of orcs who claimed to be followers of Unglar Stronglance. The group managed to defeat all the orcs, though Lothar very nearly was killed, and continued on to the ship. The next morning, Stumpwater Jack appeared at the ship door, telling them that the orcs they had fought the night before had been part of a band of space pirates called the Red Falchions -- commanded by none other than Unglar Stronglance. He indoctrinated Magnus into the Resistance, and the group hurried back to the tourament area in time for the sword competition.

After arming themselves at Kaite Strongsmith's shop, Magnus, Lothar and Gaspar of Highfolk entered into the sword competition. Eventually, they were forced to fight each other, and Gaspar came out the victor.

TO BE CONTINUED...