Will and Menel investigate why the seasons are not changing as they should in the surrounding forest. Two wise Lords of the Forest may have the answers they seek... as well as a warning of what's yet to come.

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.

Will and his companions set out for the Rust Mountains to fight the dragon Valacirca. On the way, they pass by the City of the Dead, so Will decides to stop and visit his old home.

Will's crew saves Dine, an elf, from a hydra's attack. Dine tells them that the dragon's miasma has tainted her homeland of Lothdor and sickened its people, so Will decides to go there and heal them.

When Will's party finally faces the overwhelming power of Valacirca, they prepare for a fight to the death... but then the dragon suddenly offers to become Will's servant. What is Valacirca thinking, and what choice is Will going to make?

Just when it seems Will's fate is sealed, Stagnate appears and resurrects the former residents of the Iron Country. Gracefeel transfers their souls into Will, giving him the courage to face Valacirca again. Will's epic battle reaches its climax...