The Mongauli soldiers corner and capture Guin and the twins at the other side of the River Kes. After a long march, they are brought to Stafolos Keep to see the Black Count Vanon. He takes interest in the twins, mainly due to the fact that their travel to Roodwood was reached within one day. Vanon attacks them, but Guin intervenes to protect them. Later on, Guin is forced to battle a gray ape monster for Vanon's amusement. Through much struggle and effort, Guin manages to defeat the gray ape monster. However, Guin then has to fight another captive named Istavan Spellsword, also known as the "Crimson Mercenary".