While waiting in Altaruk for the Veiled Alliance to find the hideout of The True in Under-Tyr the group is summoned to speak with Mahlanda. On the way they learn just how far things have fallen since Lord Aris' assassination when they happen upon a merchant in the abandoned market district being set upon by thugs. The group quickly dispatches the thugs, humanely, before city guards come and arrest the thugs.

They first meet with house Wavir in an abandoned crodlu stables. Thier they meet Polonious and Kleinla. Kleinla does most of the talking and shares that they deeply support Mahlanda but the crime in the city and the caravan raids have had a disastrous impact on their profits. Polonious shares with them the routes that House Wavir caravans typically take from Balic.

Disheartened but not down yet, the group heads to a tavern called Four Bits. There they are ushered into a private room with Tawa. She dismisses her guards and confirms their worries that House Tomblador is indeed against Mahlanda. They are, in part, because of the crime and caravan raiding, but more so because of the law against the slave trade.

Tawa herself is a personal friend of Mahlanda and a secret member of the Veiled Alliance. She promises to aid her, and the group as much as she can. She cannot, however, guarantee her house's support.