Balian, sent by Amalric to establish a Crusader presence in Cairo, is captured by Emir Saladin. King Amalric, enraged by the security breach in Jerusalem and Balian's capture, enlists Chatillon. For Nureddin, it's now time to conquer Egypt.

Chatillon, planning to destroy Saladin, benefits from a secret revealed by Mila, who infiltrates Cairo disguised as a Muslim, challenging Saladin and Şemse.

Guy exploits Jerusalem's wheat crisis for his gain, plotting through Sibylla to clear his path to the kingdom.

Questions remain about Mila's scheme, the fate of Saladin and Şemse's relationship, Shaver's activities in Cairo, and Saladin's potential conquest of Egypt with Nureddin's army.