INTERNAL CONFLICTSPrinces Arslan and his companions face a long journey to Peshawar Citadel, a fortresss surrounded by treacherous mountains. While a chance encounter leaves Narsus with a new comrade and admirer, Arslan's group must face the bloodthirsty son of Kharlan, Zandeh, who is eager to avenge his father's death. Despite creating constant setbacks for Arslan, matters on the enemy's side are far from a united front. In the Lusitanian-occupied capitcal of Ecbatana, King Innocentis VII and his advisers are at odds with the radical ideas of the Holy Knights Templar. Behind it all, Silver Mask is slowly carrying out a plan that threatens to shake both sides and even call Arslan's right to the throne of Pars into question.