Proud of his skillful transaction in Poroson (with more than a little help from Holo), Lawrence turns his cart toward Ruvinheigen in hopes of swelling his profits. Along the way, Lawrence and Holo meet the shepherdess Norah, whom they engage to "protect" them along the way. As it turns out, though, it isn't wolves from which Lawrence needs protection, but his own ambition. The threat of a merchant's worst nightmare awaits him in Ruvinheigen - bankruptcy