With the four sultanate forces defeated, Lelederik continues her advance toward Altun, capital of Torqye. The city's walls are far from robust enough to withstand siege for long; at their weakest point, the Eski-Kapu gate, they barely surpass a tall man's height. But Mahmut is appointed commander of this gate—and soon he'll be pitted against Dirk Wachter, mastermind of the sultanate assault! And meanwhile, miles away, Zaganos' siege of Muhl reaches its climax. Which name is destined to disappear from the annals of Rumeriana—Torqye's, or Balt-Rhein's?!