Valiant, still wounded over his falling out with Aleta and Rowanne's deceit, wishes to escape his misery so volunteers to join Gawain and his small party investigating animal-thefts and vanishing people. Rowanne actually appeals to Aleta that his judgment was because of her. Aleta won't speak to her but does choose to leave Hugo as he departs for Valiant. But when Valiant approaches the affected village, he is captured by those who have already captured Gawain and his followers - who turn out to be cannibals. Rowanne and Aleta learns of his plight when Caliburn returns riderless and both go to bring back the man they love.
—brainybrailler@comcast.net