Mitch is just back in Boggsgate from Siggeldale where he attended his grandfather’s funeral. Before he died he gave Mitch a necklace that had been in the family for a very long time.

Before he can open the stable he gets acclaimed by his girlfriend Kat, the millers daughter, and Cyra, the mayors daughter, who ask him what he will give Kat for her birthday. On that moment a cart with two men ride up and ask for lodging and where to get supplies. One of the men, who introduces himself as Gil, approaches Mitch and pulls his necklace out and offers him a gold for it. Mitch refuses. Cyra remarks that it would be a nice gift for Kat. While Mitch stables the horse he hears something in the hay. When he investigate he sees a big rat flee.

An hour into his work Ashera barges in and asks for a horse. When he asks her why she tells him she needs to get to a farm. Mitch tells her that he hasn’t any horses available for her. With tears in her eyes she turns and walks away. A little bit later he sees her again with a small pup in her arms leaving the village. He learns that the pup is sick and offers his help in feeding it. In a short time the pup is visible getting better and Mitch teaches Ashera how to make puppy formula.

While Ashera feeds her pup Mitch hears the rat again and sneaks up on it, finding a little greenskinned girl who begs for his help. She tells them that she and women of her tribe where imprisoned in a cave and that she escaped when they were moved to another location. Bad men are trying to find her. She point Gil out as one of them.

During the rest of the day Gil comes by and makes higher offers but Mitch still refuses. He last offer is three gold. But Mitch still refuses.

In the inn he makes friends with a soldier working at the tower named Toar who has a few days off.

When darkness falls Gil and the other man start to hunt for Mitch. Ashera helps Mitch get out of their hands. But somehow Gil always finds them. When finally cornered Mitch draws a hand crossbow and shoots Gil. Gil, getting angry, draws his pistols and shoots Mitch. A fight breaks out that ends when Toar comes between and knocks out both Gil and his companion. Ashera takes Mitch to her house to take care of his wounds.