The Militia finds that Moonrace forces have occupied and fortified the mountain Impabura, atop which lie the Adeskan city of Maniupich and the legendary Ades Tree. Loran hesitates to help because the Turn A is still holding the nukes. The Militia encounters Mayalito, a native Adeskan, and her king, Quoatl. Mayalito and Quoatl lead Loran and a group of Amerians through a secret passage to Maniupich to destroy the Moonrace's cannons. They are captured and imprisoned by the other Adeskans led by Taruka, who view Quoatl to be a coward and Loran as an enemy foretold by prophecy because he pilots the Turn A.