Set in

Izar smells peppermint in the brownie. Hrothulf thanks Peppermint. Darnit thinks about the massage parlor. Peppermint winks at Darnit. Ego thanks Peppermint and eats beholder meat. Dorinda learns that Peppermint is unaware of events outside the walls. They leave and face a hot, charred landscape. The floor is lava, but they're safe. Darnit feels dizzy but handles the heat. Izar finds the heat painful. Dorinda offers to make everyone invisible and fly them on her griffin. Poyraz might join, others wait. They spot a scout party returning. Hrothulf suggests joining them. Izar messages the leader, but a misunderstanding occurs. They land in front of the scouts, weapons ready. Magmen appear. Izar explains they're friends and want to help. The leader questions them. They uncloak, introduce themselves as the Branch of Teresias. Izar almost faints, gets medical aid. The scouts take them to a camp. They are sprayed and given new suits for protection. They meet Agent LeFleur, who questions their intentions. They discuss killing Whidmore, offering aid, and finding the old gods. LeFleur advises seeking professional help. Izar makes a joke. Darnit suggests showing the griffins. They wait in a tent, uncertain about the Shadow Squadron. A magman named Zedd recognizes Hrothulf and questions his absence from their homeland.