Thus, the people of the kingdom found themselves trapped inside the castle walls, deprived of freedom and hope for a better future. All they could wish for was to bring the king back to health and restore the former freedom that had been taken from him. But by what means and under what conditions could this be accomplished? The question remained unanswered, and the people of the kingdom lived in anticipation of a change that might never come.
One night, when the moon shone brighter than usual, a mysterious middle-aged man was brought to Serleila. His eyes were clouded, as if reflecting the depths of secret knowledge and piercing anguish. The guards who accompanied him explained that this stranger had been coming to the castle gates for the third night in a row, repeating the same words about the fate of the queen and the kingdom. But he answers all questions with silence, as if his lips were sealed with invisible bonds.
The queen came out in her splendid attire, radiating authority and dignity. She listened attentively to the stranger, whose words penetrated to the very depths of her being. The man told of a plot that some dark forces were weaving against Serleila and her kingdom. He warned of impending danger, in the form of three thousand warriors ready to kneel before the black raven that would adorn their banner. When the man finished his story, his eyes suddenly returned to their normal color, as if the fog had dissipated, and he himself did not even remember how he had found himself in front of the castle gates.
Serlayla realized that this mysterious man was a wizard with unusual powers. She ordered him immediately locked in a dungeon to avoid any possible threat. It soon became clear that his predictions were true, and the queen became convinced of his power. The wizard was given his own small room in which he was safely guarded. He began to serve the queen, helping her with his knowledge and power until his death came. There was no way out of this dungeon, no way to escape.