The group nearly catches up to Ashram. Whilst resting Orson declares his love for Shiris but since she's annoyed she defiantly states she loves Parn. After an argument she slaps Orson and storms off. When Shooting Star heads off to feed, Ashram and Hobb enter Fire Dragon Mountain leaving the rest to guard against Kashue's group. When the group arrives at the entrance to the mountain a fight ensues. Kashue follows Ashram while the rest battle the guards. Groder summons dragon tooth soldiers to aid them and a magical battle also ensues between the sorcerers. Deedlit battles Astar to a stalemate while Slayn and Cecil engages Groder. Leylia manages to kill Gaberra but Groder escapes. Once again Shiris is defeated by Smeddy and Orson is unable to enter a berserker rage having been cured. He begs the spirit of rage of make him strong again to protect Shiris and the spirit obliges. The berserk Orson cuts down Smeddy and Astar but is mortally wounded. Shiris sees he will die and asks him to strike her down so they can be together forever but he dies before he can kill her.