By this time, it is early autumn, and the dwarven workers are working at a frenzied pace to complete repairs to the main keep before winter. The work is going relatively smooth, but it looks like they will not be able to rebuild the outer walls until after the spring thaw. What this means for the group is that without an outer wall, they could be vulnerable to attack should the Zhents try to reclaim the surrounding territory.

They know they must outfit the keep with the necessary weapons and soldiers to defend it, and soon. They spend the next week putting out notices in the area, looking for hirelings and anyone who has anti-siege weapons for sale. But, before they have a chance to catch their breath (figuratively speaking), a new problem rears its head.

A rider arrives at the keep barely a week after the group returns from Tethyamar. He bears a general notice, which is to be delivered to all settlements within a day's ride of Dagger Falls. It states that as of today, Dagger Falls has been quarantined to prevent the spread of a strange "dream fever" that has struck the heart of the community. Victims suddenly fall ill in their sleep, punctuated by a high fever, and all attempts to cure or wake the sick have failed.

The fever has spread at an alarming rate, infecting over 30 people so far since the first reported case just a few days ago. To add to the strangeness are reports of dwarf-like shadows seen running through the dark alleys of the town. What it all means is anyone's guess, but Randal is taking no chances with containing the spread of the fever. Anyone who thinks they may be able to help is welcome to try, but all are warned to "enter at your own risk".

Considering the recent events with the local dwarves and their temperament regarding Randal Morn, the group is very concerned that these incidents are all related. There are many possibilities, one of which might be reprisals from the more radical members of the Bladebright clan. Even though the leader of the clan, Mordran, declared an end to the feud between the clan and the house of Morn, some of the members may have decided to take matters into their own hands.

Then there was another, more sinister, possibility. It could be the fruition of Colderan's curse, as was written on the wall of the dwarven stronghold in the Eagle's Eyrie. By entering the abandoned stronghold, and removing both the remains of the dwarves and the sword that was crafted to slay Colderan, the group may have inadvertently triggered the curse and unleashed it upon the unsuspecting citizens of Dagger Falls.

The group departs for Dagger Falls the very next morning, hoping to bring a swift end to the curse they may actually be responsible for. They arrive in town around noon, and immediately seek an audience with Randal. The group informs him that they wish to help, but are reluctant to mention their own speculations.

Randal brings them up to date on the happenings in town. The situation has become worse than originally believed. Since the fever began, three people have died from the illness, and seven more have gone missing. Among the missing, taken just last night: a shepherd, taken from his field; an 8-year-old boy, stolen from his bedroom; and a widow, who lost her husband to the fever the night before her own disappearance...