Istavan and the twins take their chance to escape from the Garm's Head, and end up on a mysterious desert island. The ship's crew follow them, and things look bleak until Guin appears to defend his comrades. In Argos, Lord Skarl and his forces head to Ruan Oasis to join up with Lord Beck, in preparation for the coming battle against Kualos. Back in Crystal Rana, begins to question Naris' motives for marrying Amnelis.