Circle of Iron

Cord defeats every opponent in the arena, displaying skill and power as the crowd cheers. His victory is nullified when officials disqualify him for fighting dishonorably. The incident sets him on a path to shadow the tournament’s winner rather than simply win tournaments.

Seeking a route to Zetan, Cord chooses to follow the eventual winner, Morthond, believing he holds the key to the wise book. He shifts from rival to hopeful follower, ready to learn whatever path the winner takes. This choice begins Cord’s longer journey rather than a single fight.

While the two fighters rest, a blind flutist passes by and disappears into a nearby building after dispatching a gang of thugs. Cord is impressed by the man’s discipline and strength and asks to become his pupil. The flutist refuses, and Cord’s protests are met with riddled lessons that never seem to end until the man vanishes.

Cord discovers Morthond badly wounded following the first trial and agrees to help him end his suffering so they can continue toward Zetan. He carries his ally with him as they press onward. The moment deepens Cord’s commitment to the quest and to those he’s chosen to follow.

Cord confronts the Monkeyman tribe and defeats its leader in a fierce exchange. The Monkeyman, defeated, reveals crucial information about the path to the second trial. The encounter confirms that strength alone will not be enough to reach Zetan.

A man in a large cauldron of oil tries to recruit Cord into joining his self-denial experiment. Cord declines, recognizing the vow he has taken, while the man warns that he will eventually break that vow himself. The scene underscores the temptations Cord must resist.

Cord meets Chang-Sha, the band’s leader, who offers Tara for Cord’s sexual companionship. Cord refuses because of his vow, and instead challenges Chang-Sha to combat. The confrontation is set to unfold the next day.

That night, Tara joins Cord in his tent and they share a intimate moment. Cord is drawn to her and asks her to stay with him forever. In the morning, he discovers that the group has moved on and Tara has been crucified, a brutal blow that fuels his anger and resolve.

Cord confronts a vision of Death and refuses to surrender to terror. He dispels the spirit by showing there is nothing to fear, reinforcing his growing inner strength. The moment marks a turning point in his mindset.

Cord reaches an oasis where he meets the blind man again. The teacher agrees to guide him anew, and they travel together for a time. Their renewed mentorship highlights Cord’s shift toward wisdom as the true path to enlightenment.

Across their travels, the blind man uses encounters with a poor ferryman and his wife, a band of raiders, and a spoiled child as teaching moments. Each episode tests Cord’s patience and humility and reveals that wisdom comes from experience as much as strength. The lessons prep him for the island and Zetan’s test.

Cord finally finds Chang-Sha again and their duel ends in a draw, with Chang-Sha granting the location of Zetan anyway. The exchange confirms that the path to enlightenment exists beyond combat alone. Cord’s resolve hardens as he moves toward the island.

Cord arrives at the island and encounters Zetan and the protected book’s guardians. He expects a fight, but Zetan tells him he has passed the trials and is worthy to read the book. The wizard even asks Cord to replace him as the keeper.

Opening the book, Cord discovers its pages are mirrors rather than wisdom. Zetan explains that true enlightenment lies within oneself rather than in a volume. Cord declines to become the keeper and steps away with a new sense of inner peace.

Cord rejoins the blind man who passes the flute to him, signaling that Cord will take on the role of teacher. The passing of the flute marks the cycle’s completion and Cord’s new purpose. He prepares to guide others toward their own paths.