Cassian Nohl, head of the secret police, secretly detests the monarchy's cruel methods. When he learns of a planned crackdown on a rebel hideout, he faces a moral quandary.
Takari's rebellion gains momentum, drawing attention from the monarchy. In a daring move, Takari leads a raid on a military outpost to secure weapons for his cause.
King Archelaus I grapples with the loneliness of his rule and the growing threat of the rebellion. His advisers push for harsher crackdowns, but a moment of reflection leads him to question the effectiveness of fear as a tool for loyalty.