Saladin, struggling to survive in a well, is inadvertently found by Lord Balian, who is returning after visiting his dying brother, Hugh, in Ibelin. Meanwhile, Sultan Nureddin is distressed by Saladin’s absence from Damascus and considers supporting Şaver against Dırgam after consulting with Kadı Fazıl from Egypt's Construction Council. In Jerusalem, King Amalrik prepares for his coronation while in Egypt, Vizier Dırgam prepares for the Nile Festival, secretly admiring Şemse. Count Miles of Kerak departs for Egypt, leaving his wife, Countess Mila. Nureddin travels to Jerusalem to query King Amalric about Saladin's disappearance. When Karategin informs Shirkuh, Shaver, and Yaruki that Saladin is in Cairo, their plans for Egypt are altered.
