Arslan is rescued by his loyal servant Daryun and they must run away from the Lusitanian forces, led by the General Silvermask, who ambush and capture his father personally.

Gieve escapes Ecbatana after having a clash with Silvermask, who makes use of the underground tunnels to strike the palace from within, while the Lusitanian forces, assisted by the slaves, break into the capital and conquer it.

With no time to absorb Bahman's shocking revelation, Arslan must decide how to deal with the invading army led by Rajendra, Second Prince of the Kingdom of Sindhura.

The siege of the Keep of Saint Emmanuel begins in earnest and Parsian generals, who once fought on the same side, now find themselves facing each other across the battlefield.