A day after saving Stormreach from the Storm Hammers, the adventurers are honoured by the Storm Lords with a ceremony of thanks in front of Lorsmarch Palace at the Marketplace. But the festivities are made more complex by everything happening behind the scenes. Sláine is still dealing with the loss of Master Áedan and her responsibility to carry on the Iron Soul tradition. Spark is approached by Steeljack and the Iron Watch to have Shinra join the Iron Council, the group of intelligent ancient docents that govern the warforged militia. After being ordered by Kurn d’Velderan to become a public, heroic face of House Tharashk, Kaddik is recruited by Durgran’Torrn to the druidic sect called the Gatekeepers. Ash continues to struggle with the demands of the invulnerable coat of Arnd, as Surrayana warns him that the Prophecy of the Impure Prince is soon to be fulfilled, one way or another. And Caleb argues with Jaris Cantar, who wants him to steal Shinra from Spark; consumed by rage, Caleb kills a thief who attempts to steal his purse and discovers that the helm of seven deaths steals the souls of those he slays.

Yorrick Amanatu, the Storm Lord responsible for the Stormreach Guard, gives a speech thanking the adventurers for their service to the city, awarding them all with medals and gold. After the speech, carts pull the heroes through and around the Marketplace as they wave to the adoring crowds! And then the Emerald Claw attacks, backed up by a necromancer from the Shrouds! The heroes battle hard to fight off the ambushers, finally taking out the fanatic warriors and capturing the necromancer – who may be persuaded to reveal vital information as to the plans and whereabouts of the mysterious Shrouds as they attempt to reanimate the Impure Prince…