Okay, So I've got it figured out (I think)...
1) When starting the quest in the updated version you will automatically be sent to the forest and Tony will join your party.
2) Players will not be able to leave the Woods until the quest is done, but based on a number of factors (progress in the game, Tony's level) this should not be a hardship for the party.
3) For players who have already started the quest in its old (i.e. unstable) version, Tony will join the party right before the bats attack. This will prevent the issue where the player is unable to "finish" the quest (since the cutscene will not begin if Tony is not listed as a party member).
4) For players who have already done the quest, never got Tony, and haven't been able to progress the cutscene, I THINK I have a fix...however, I am not 100% sure b/c I was not able to duplicate this specific sequence (since I can't be sure what version everyone is using, and there have been quite a few changes to this quest in the past). As near as I can tell, players who have followed this sequence will A) Have an unspeaking, unmoving Tony on the western edge of town, B) Still have the "Fresh Blood" quest active, and C) Will have the "Ghostly Wing" Key Item. If you meet these criteria, go to where Tony was previously standing and speak to the man in the suit. He will send you to the Hunters' Guild and SHOULD kick start the cutscene for you.
Thanks for letting me know about this issue...I am actually playtesting the latest update today so unless I find something game-breakingly bad the new version will be available by tomorrow evening! Keep an eye out for a new set of dev notes coming soon!