Guin and the others finally arrive at the Town of Ross, and prepare to cross the Sea of Lent; their plans are put in jeopardy when they lean that Argos has declared war on Mongaul. Astrias is captured by Al Deen, posing as the minstrel Marius, who interrogates him for information regarding the missing twins. Naris sets his plan to win over Amnelis into motion.