Saladin sets out to save Kerak and Countess Mila from Chatillon but is blocked by Yaruki under Sultan Nureddin's orders. His issues in Damascus accumulate. King Amalric closes Jerusalem's ports, isolating Balian, who seeks Sultan Nureddin's help for the Ibelinites.

A Bedouin named Nizar raids a caravan to Cairo, weakening Saladin's position among merchants. Rakif, the merchant king, exchanges the stolen goods for friendship, gaining the trust Saladin lost. Saladin must navigate the political games of the Caliph and Rakif to establish his authority in Egypt.