Our heroes journey back to the marsh in order to enlist King Willam to join in the fight for Thule. On their way, they are ambushed by a bullying brute named Vladimir who has been plundering the countryside with his band of thugs. Valiant orchestrates their escape and the entire group finds refuge in Arn's hometown. Upon learning that his old friends are living in a constant state of fear, Arn wonders if he should permanently stay behind and help them defend their homes against Vladimir.