Returning soldier Jan finds the sick and poor of his hometown exiled to a nearby forest, while new bailiff Baru discovers Mayor Coffijn's corruption.
Hélo?se meets a suitor. Coffijn resists Baru's push for reform of the City Watch. Jan tells the Embo family that Emiel is dead, but hides his guilt.
Tincke rescues a 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've stolen in the stagecoach raid, but the incident provokes a violent backlash not even Baru can prevent.
Baru gets valuable intelligence from his spy, Anne-Marie. Hélo?se runs away with Jan, leaving her father distraught. Iron Simon makes Tincke an offer.
After learning the truth about her brother, Hélo?se returns home. Iron Simon puts a price on Tincke's head. Jan engineers a bold reversal of fortune.
Baru is elevated to alderman and welcomes Anne-Marie and her sister into his new home. Tincke schemes to free Jan. Hélo?se prepares to wed Nicola?.
One year later, an ailing Tincke has taken over a nightclub. Coffijn launches an ambitious new project. The town prepares for a holy procession.
A miraculous return from the dead precedes the fulfillment of a curse. Nicola?'s mother discovers why Hélo?se is not pregnant. Anne-Marie pays a debt.
The thieves celebrate their good fortune. Beno?t Van Gelderhode vows to avenge Nicola?. Baru succeeds Coffijn and forces Anne-Marie to make a choice.