So leaving Jarrow's tower, the Windswept Guardians head back to Castle Justheart. As they travel, Thondami takes stock of treasure claimed in the tower, a vast amount of potions and various sorcerous items. Bringing the petrified Artemis and Jarrow’s probable foot, the group tries to formulate a plan to penetrate or circumvent the barrier at the castle. Only 5 days remain before the deadline for Lord Justheart’s ransom. Also, Mandrake’s band of brigands are due to arrive at the castle in five days as well.

   Elexa Justheart tells the heroes that the barrier goes around the castle completely except above where rain water can enter the reservoir for water storage. It also goes down approximately 15 feet to prevent sappers. She does not know how high the barrier rises. But trebuchets rarely get above it. Straining his memory, Thondami realized the barrier was an altered Force Field spell.

   Riding next to a fast flowing, 20 foot wide river, they came under fire from archers and javelins. It seems a hobgoblin patrol was there and a small skirmish ensued. The battle was over quickly but the hobgoblin leader and the human mage with them managed to escape. The hobgoblin camp remains.