There's an old woman pacing outside of the tower. When she sees you, she looks relieved. "Oh, you've come!" she exclaims, taking you by the arm. She knows who did this, you see, and yes, your friend is trapped at the top of this tower, but you'll never find him on your own. Anyone who enters this tower will become hopelessly lost, and die.

She tells you what you need to enter the tower: a magic looking-glass. It's hers. Unfortunately it's been stolen from her by the same man responsible for these abductions, so you'll have to go fetch it. She's not sure where he's taken it, but she thinks it's somewhere along the Gross Tar. You'll know it when you find it, she tells you, because it's being guarded by a monstrous beast. Off you go, then, dear. You'd better hurry. Your friend in the tower is not alone.