Thokil the Elder is prepared to slay every member of the treacherous Royal Guard, including his own son, but most are spared once Gredyl intervenes. Thokil the Younger respects Gredyl and offers his services to the blind veteran and the King he intends to hand Sturm over to. But Thokil must prove his loyalty to the One King Ansil, to whom Gredyl intends to hand over Sturm. Thokil the Younger must find the boy Batkin and save him from harm. Meanwhile, Cheron and Candide enter empty Arlot for secrets, and intend on slaying the elves in their company to have that treasure revealed.