The Imperial forces led by Gaius have begun to move against the castle of Avalon. As such Arawn decides it is necessary to form an alliance with the neighboring Brigantes Tribe. However, when they arrive they meet Taliesin, and it emerges that the Brigantes Tribe's Chief is dead and there is no successor to take his place, because of a prophecy claiming that the next Chief will "...offend the Heavens...be cast into the Darkness...and be devoured by a monster...".