With war now upon the province, Ars and his retinue return to trade city of Semplar for Couran's next military conference. Their faction is strapped for ideas, leading them to look to unexpected places for unexpected aid...

Ars sets off with Licia to negotiate with the Emperor of Summerforth, but their best laid plans are threatened by a last-minute tagalong from Lord Couran's retinue.

Ars and his retinue wrap up negotiations with the neighboring provinces, and upon their return home, Lord Couran gives Ars his most important and most dangerous mission to date... Does he have what it takes to face it?

Under the leadership of Ars and Lumeire, Canarre's army attacks the Vakmakro fortress. Only by capturing it can they seize Castle Samkh and thereby conquer the entire district. However, the defenders of Vakmakro have come up with a surprising strategy...

The forces of Samkh remain defiant even after Fort Vakmakro falls. Ars and his people come up with a strategy to minimize bloodshed, but Rosell harbors doubts.

Couran's forces prepare for their next campaign, and Ars is sent to negotiate with one of the defiant enemy leaders. But there seems to be more going on than meets the eye..

Ars tries to put their plan into action, to take save the hostages from Castle Rolto and defeat the enemy force. But the plan will put Ars's own life on the line...

Ars's side has taken heavy losses, but the battle of Castle Rolto is still undecided. Can Couran's forces take the victory, and will Lupa and his wife be reunited?

Ars sends Pham to report to Couran about their victory at Castle Rolto, but the battle at Castle Staatz is just heating up as Thomas hatches a plan to take Couran out directly.

The armies charge on Castle Staatz, where the formidable Braham Joe awaits to challenge Rietz to a duel.

Thomas reflects on his long rivalry with Mireille as the battle for the stronghold of Verzud nears.

The last battle over Verzud reaches its climax, with the aftermath changing the course of Ars's life and reign.