While visiting a small town, Louie and the others hear of a fighting tournament.  It's a reunion of sorts with appearances by Conrad and Renard, for both are competing.  Conrad boasts that he will win first prize as a wedding gift for Melissa.  Once again, Louie is called upon to defend Melissa's honor.
At the same event, Merrill overhears a plot to assassinate the tournament sponsor.  She attracts the attention of the plotters, but escapes...sort of.  Stuck at the bottom of a well, Merrill must find a way to send out the message before she runs out of time.