Xeno knocks out Carlo, but his concentration was broken, ending the spell. Xeno then flees. Diego runs to his father, and Huxley tells him that his father will live. Back at the mansion, Diego has been holding a vigil at his father's bedside. Carlo apologizes to his son for alienating him. He tells Diego to pursue his dreams. Ash comes in and tells Diego that the Ring is being transported by train back to Shumeria. Carlo implores his son to go with Ash. Diego tells his father to get better, and that when everything is over, Diego will come back to Carlo. On the train, Dallas (one of the Crimson Leaders) tells his people to release the cars to cut off Ash and the party. Moving up the train cars, Ash and company defeat Dallas and secure the Royal Ring. Zohar looks at the ring when Xeno shows up. It turns out that Dolf and Xeno are holding Kira hostage in exchange for the ring. He tells the group to come to Fort Dain in 24 hours time, or Kira dies. Ash decides to go, because if they do not, they will lose a piece of their souls. Upon arriving at Fort Dain, the party sees Kira being held over a pool of magma. Xeno gives them a choice: either they hand over the ring, or Kira dies. Ash hands over the Ring, and Xeno betrays his word by releasing the locks on Kira's platform. The party hurries to destroy the death device, and save Kira's life. Kira blames herself for the party's downfall, but Clint states that everyone deserves a second chance. Kira decides to join the group. That night, Kira shares that she was once a child of a noble family, but noble in name only. It is found out that Ishtaria was born on the blood of the innocents, as Kira's family was dirt poor but killed by the Revolution because of where they lived. Ash remarks that Hel is going down the same road and repeating the tragedy in his lust for power. Zohar comes up with a plan to stop Dolf, Xeno and Hel. According to an inscription on the Royal Ring, there is a place in the Torog Mountains. Zohar does not know what could be kept up there, but the party may as well try as they are all out of options. Chapter