In the new reign of terror Xaxian Warriors have been pillaging the countryside, dispersing and destroying any tribes or villages which remain loyal to the old order. One of the survivors is Drogo - a boy close to Vara's age, descended from the wolf tribe. Drogo encounters the band and leads them to another survivor, the lovely Cyrana, who also joins the group. Will's crossbow has been broken in a foolish attempt by Vara to escape; Cyrana suggests the master craftsman Mondar could fix it, and they set off to find him. But however they change their course, Xax remains hot on their trail, desperate to retrieve Princess Vara to act as her ""protector"". It becomes clear there must be a traitor in their group passing information somehow to the Warriors: but which of the newcomers is it? Mondar is being held prisoner by Kreel and Xax, who wish him to create a new superweapon from the Crystals. Xax also holds Mondar's only child as a hostage and whose life will be forfeit if he does not comply