With the Bavarian Catholic forces hot on their heels, Issak and his allies take temporary refuge in Castle Clarenstein, where they must contend with two devastating losses—Heinrich’s brother, the Elector Palatine himself, is reported missing after his army was routed in battle, and Zetta’s grandfather Hans, weakened by illness and old age, passes away. As his final wish, Hans asks Issak to protect and look after Zetta, and Issak swears that he will. But the promise will be hard to keep—with the enemy closing in, the group must undertake a perilous journey through hostile territory if they are to reach safe haven.