Arn is still stuck in the Holy Land, and his new grand master is not about to release him. At home Cecilia is starting to doubt that Arn will ever return, as news about him is rare. And when news reaches Cecilia that the Templars has been defeated she gives up hope. But Arn has been rescued and sent home by Saladin. But home the situation is deteriorating. Birger Brosa is growing old, and the king Knut is fatally ill. And rival Sverker Karlsson has gained the support of the Danes. Amidst all this Arn dreams only of peace and at last being able to marry Cecilia.