Ru begins his training under Will and Menel. He tells Will that he's eager to learn from him what courage is and what it means to be a warrior, but Will himself is struggling with the meaning of courage as he recalls the Lord of Holly's prophecy.

As the party rests in the City of the Dead, Gus warns Will about how dangerous Valacirca is and tells him it's okay to turn back. But Will's mind is made up. All Gus can do is send him on his way with a word of advice...

The battle between Will and Valacirca rages on. Will has exhausted his strength and depleted his mana, his companions have fallen, and his beloved weapon, Pale Moon, is broken. Then, just when the situation is looking dire...