As Hilmes continues to pursue the treasured sword Rukhnabad, he comes across someone from his past. In the meantime, in Peshawar, King Andragoras sets Arslan a task that is seemingly cruel and impossible.
The Tūrānians regroup and prepare to make another attempt to take Peshawar Fortress, this time, using more underhanded means. Meanwhile, Andragoras makes good his escape from Ecbatana and the Lusitanians.
Three years later, Arslan is still training and still sheltered. Peace seems a certainty for the Kingdom of Pars, widely known for its mighty army. But Lusitania is suddenly back and this time, the Kingdom of Maryam falls and Pars faces war.
Étoile wrestles with the knowledge that the prince, whose head he had wanted for so long, was someone he knew. And the battle for the Keep of Saint Emmanuel continues.
Arslan and his party head for the port city of Gilan to the south and get a lay of the land as they begin their attempt to assemble an army of 50 thousand men as King Andragoras ordered.