Taruka's followers try to compel him and Quoatl to duel for the kingship, but Joseph and Mayalito help Loran, Quoatl, and the others escape. Mayalito reveals that Taruka challenged Quoatl once before, but Quoatl knew he was not ready to rule and refused to fight; the Adeskans then scorned Quoatl for appearing to flee. The Amerians and Adeskans work together to take out the cannon emplacements, but Quoatl is wounded at the final cannon. The king grants Taruka the right to kill him by shooting the bomb intended for the cannon, and Mayalito chooses to die with Quoatl out of loyalty. The final cannon is destroyed and Maniupich is liberated.