Having been delivered safely to Agrayan Royal Palace by a passing vessel, Guin and his party are finally able to reach Argos. The difference in social status between Rinda and Istavan has become a problem for the young lovers, and Istavan decides to leave in order to make a name for himself. Meanwhile, Lord Skarl and Lord Beck lead their troops through the Urien Mountains in order to launch a surprise attack, and retake Parros. In crystal, with everyone believing he is dead, Naris is also able to make plans for the reclamation of Parros.