The group, along with Parn, Deedlit, Maar, Hobb, and Neese's parents arrive on Marmo and head towards Conquera, where the ceremony will take place. As they travel through the dark forest, the elves sense danger. Karla concludes that the group will disrupt the balance of power on Lodoss and decides to test them to see if they, as representatives of the light, are too strong. Maar and the warriors of the group get separated from the rest and are attacked by mud creatures sent by Karla. They are able to destroy them and return to help the others who are being attacked by gargoyles. Back on Lodoss, the main forces of Flaim, Kanon and Valis set out for Marmo, along with Queen Shiris who leads her dragon riders to support them. Unfortunately, Spark's group stumbles upon the final test: the awakened dragon Narse.