Oh great. What'd I miss?

So, after hitting level 9, I finally go through the searing. Right after it says "2 Years Later", I was speaking to whomever it is that greets you (I believe Prince Rurik), and all of a sudden was warped straight into the next area.
My less than competent party companion had gone too far ahead.
So, to get to my point, what exactly did I miss?

Nothing. He ran forward into Ascalon city from old ascalon, roughly 50 yards away, go talk to Warmaster Tydus to get back on track with story quests.