Count Tigrevurmud Vorn of the Brunish territory of Alsace is taken prisoner by Eleonora Viltaria, a war maiden of the neighbouring kingdom of Zhcted; she will return him to Brune if his ransom is paid, but she has another reason for keeping him.

Duke Thenardier sends his son Zion to raze Tigre's fiefdom of Alsace; Tigre prepares to return and defend his home, but as her prisoner, Elen imposes conditions on letting him go.

With the town safe, Elen and Tigre make plans to drive Zion's army out of Alsace; they are still outnumbered three-to-one, however, and must come up with some brilliant strategies if they are to succeed in defending Tigre's homeland.

Elen returns to Zhcted, and answers to the king for invading Brune without his permission, while Tigre tries to muster more help.

When Mila abruptly leaves Rodnik, Elen fears that it spells hostilities between their two lands; Elen must figure out how she is going to claim victory.

A united army of men from both Brune and Zhcted is formed, led by Tigre and Elen, but it is not without its difficulties. Sofy reaches Elen with bad news.