Krynn's Vanguard spent the day before and most of the day mulling over whom they wanted to take with them on their task to find, and take down "Those Who Slither in the Dark". To get to know them better, the group invited all 24 students from the Three Houses to a brunch. While not uncommon at the monastery, events like this are most commonly tea times between two individuals to help build a deeper connection.
Krynn's Vanguard observed the students for a bit as they interacted with each other and didn't see anyone forming certain cliques that would exclude anyone. The group had also cast a Zone of Truth on the region so that they would get truthful answers. Most students had accepted being put under the effects of a Zone of Truth. However, Claude, Hilda, and Ignatz of the Golden Deer, Felix of the Blue Lions, and Hubert of the Black Eagles, resisted the effects, with only Claude and Hubert succeeding in doing such. After questioning some students, the group reconvened and chose to take the Black Eagles with them.
With the decision made, Lady Rhea called for the group and told them of some information they had obtained and that there were some low-level thugs that they believed worked for "Those Who Slither in the Dark" that fled to the Red Canyon after ambushing some knights.
The group took this information and made the journey to the Red Canyon over the next couple of days. During this time, The Black Eagles, save for Edelgard, formed Mentor/Mentee relationships with the party.
Arriving at the Red Canyon, Krynn's Vanguard encountered a fairly sizable group of bandits who refused to back down as they were cornered and a fight ensued.