The group along with Parn, Deedlit, Maar, Hobb and Neese's parents arrive on Marmo and head towards Conquera, where the ceremony will take place. As they travel through the dark forest, the elves sense danger. Karla concludes that the group will disrupt the balance of power on Lodoss and decides to test them to see if they, as representatives of the light, are too strong. Maar and the warriors of the group get separated from the rest and are attacked by mud creatures sent by Karla...