The Crimson Company approaches Ronnoco and, since they are early for their appointment, are mistakenly attacked. After a brief skirmish, the fight is ended by Vanni, son of the ruler of Ronnoco, who shrugs off Conan's angry words. The Ronnoco soldiers are expecting an attack from nearby Carnolla, and have the Crimson Company have been brought in to assist. Murilo, Conan and Tara meet with Belzamo, the ruler of Ronnoco, who explains that he intends to ally with a third city-state, Pergona, against Carnolla, and the best way to do that would be to force an alliance by kidnapping the daughter of the lord of Pergonna, Yvonne, who is being transported by the Blade Brothers to her arranged wedding in Carnolla. A disguised Conan and Tara meet with the Blade Brothers, but a fight soon breaks out a