Returning soldier Jan finds the sick and poor of his hometown exiled to a nearby forest; new bailiff Baru discovers Mayor Coffijn's corruption.

Héloïse meets a suitor; Coffijn resists Baru's push for reform of the City Watch; Jan tells the Embo family that Emiel is dead, but he hides his guilt.

Tincke rescues wounded Jan from bounty hunters but discovers the price on his friend's head; Coffijn involves partners in his road-building plan.

The thieves discover the valuable cargo they have stolen in the stagecoach raid, but the incident provokes a violent backlash that even Baru can't prevent.

Baru gets valuable intelligence from his spy, Anne-Marie; Héloïse runs away with Jan, leaving her dad distraught; Iron Simon makes Tincke an offer.

Héloïse returns home after learning the truth about her brother; Iron Simon puts a price on Tincke's head; Jan engineers a bold reversal of fortune.