With the revelation that the horror from Varenshade was now inhabiting Vernin Aldrith—Mr. Jingles' cruel former master—Emmit, Zera, and Galadrathril rallied around Mr. Jingles, giving him the strength to confront his demons. Following Mr. Jingles' lead, the group left Elun'dae and travelled eastward toward Scardale where Vernin presides over the House of Gloam.

The journey along Rauthhauvyr's Road was a tenday voyage, filled with omens and signs of the days to come. Stopping one night at Essembra, Mr. Jingles bought rooms at a local inn, but instead took refuge in the stables. There, a steely-eyed man appeared, emitting sounds of clattering bells and casting elongated shadows—a vision of Mr. Jingles' foe. Shortly after, Mr. Jingles stole a pony and fled with his friends. Outside Essembra, a gloomy and abandoned manor rested high on the nearby hills opposite an abbey dedicated to Tyr. Near the abbey, Zera was contacted by Jasper via a sending spell to coordinate where to meet up with the group.

Midway through their trek, a felled tree was spotted blocking the path. As the party navigated around it, they were attacked by a band of raiders. Though heavy blood was drawn, the heroes emerged victorious and pressed on as they licked their wounds. By the end of the 9th day, they had arrived at Feather Falls, the entrance into a long and narrow canyon called The Scar. At the end of the winding stretch of river, with a heavy blanket of dark clouds looming overhead, the towns of Chandlerscross, Scarsdeep, and Scardale could be seen.