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.

Kharlan continues his pursuit of Arslan, unaware that he fell for Narsus' scheme and his forces are ambushed in an unfavourable terrain, where Arslan's party meets Gieve and Farangis, who join their cause as well. Meanwhile at the capital, Silvermask confronts the captive King Andragoras, revealing his identity and motives.

On their way to the stronghold at Peshawar, Arslan's party is pursued by a force led by Xandes, Kharlan's son who seeks to avenge his father and they are forced to split up.

Arslan returns to Peshawar. In the meantime, Hermes must walk the fine line between remaining useful to Lusitania and furthering his own interests.

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.