Chapter 22

Carl, Donut, and Mongo travel back to Point Mongo with were-castor escorts Clint and Holger, who were compelled by Signet to ensure they reach a safe room before Odette's show. Along the way, they encounter and defeat a pack of wild night weasels, and upon arriving at Point Mongo discover that both Carl and Donut have received a third sponsor: The Apothecary, a mysterious collective Carl suspects may be connected to Krakaren and the Plenty.

The group departs with two were-castors, Clint (bald, one-legged) and Holger (mullet-wearing), who were pushed by Signet to escort them due to showrunner influence over elites. During the journey, Donut engages Holger and Clint in conversation about their mullets and bald heads, learning they've known Signet since she lived in their village after being cursed. Clint and Holger explain their history: Imogen attacked and devastated their village years ago, then Scolopendra's attack had less impact on were-castors who'd survived Imogen's transfiguration spell. They discuss how high elves protected themselves during Scolopendra's assault using stolen soul gems, and debate whether elves triggered the worm's awakening. The conversation devolves into a brutal fistfight between Clint and Holger over insults about baldness and hair, which Carl breaks up when mobs appear. A pack of invisible night weasels attacks from three sides; Clint and Holger prove immune to paralysis and fight with surprising speed and ferocity, with support from Carl, Donut, and Mongo. The group reaches Point Mongo safely, passing new defenses Mordecai has installed. Upon crossing the bridge, Carl and Donut receive notification of their third sponsor: The Apothecary, who has also sponsored several other top-ten crawlers. Carl suspects this collective may be connected to Krakaren and the Plenty, viewing it as political posturing rather than beneficial patronage.