Bayan sends Walter on a mission to see the Song dynasty Empress of that part of China not yet under Mongol rule. When he arrives, he is told that he must stay in China as a "guest" for the rest of his life. Then he finds Tristram and Maryam had also been captured and imprisoned. During this time, Walter realizes he loves Maryam. The three of them decide to escape. Tristram dies. The small boat in which Maryam is waiting for Walter in drifts away before Walter can catch her. Walter returns to England alone.