Guin and the others head for Suni's home with the Raku tribe, attempting escape from the pursuing forces lead by Princess Amnelis and Lord Marus. Marus tracks them down and Guin and the twins are captured; it is up to Istavan to infiltrate the camp and save them, before they are taken to the feared Avalon Keep.

Guin and the others finally arrive at the Town of Ross, and prepare to cross the Sea of Lent; their plans are put in jeopardy when they lean that Argos has declared war on Mongaul. Astrias is captured by Al Deen, posing as the minstrel Marius, who interrogates him for information regarding the missing twins. Naris sets his plan to win over Amnelis into motion.