
As King Amalric's army nears Cairo, Emir Saladin confronts him with a small force, releasing Balian to join his side. Karategin cures the poisoned troops of Shirkuh and Yaruki, bringing them to Cairo. Amalric expects an easy victory, but news of Nureddin Zengi's march on Harim forces the Crusaders to withdraw, leaving Shawar trapped as Saladin and Shirkuh advance on the vizier's palace. The vacant vizier's throne causes turmoil in Egypt, with the Caliph having other plans. Conflict arises over the Crusader spoils between Yaruki and Saladin. Balian is distressed over Giom's death, with William, Balian, and Sibylla seeking clues. Shawar's fate is uncertain as his son Kamil pleads for mercy. Shirkuh aims to calm Cairo and prevent chaos while seizing the throne, facing potential obstacles.
Saladin, struggling to survive in a well, is inadvertently found by Lord Balian, who is returning after visiting his dying brother, Hugh, in Ibelin. Meanwhile, Sultan Nureddin is distressed by Saladin’s absence from Damascus and considers supporting Şaver against Dırgam after consulting with Kadı Fazıl from Egypt's Construction Council. In Jerusalem, King Amalrik prepares for his coronation while in Egypt, Vizier Dırgam prepares for the Nile Festival, secretly admiring Şemse. Count Miles of Kerak departs for Egypt, leaving his wife, Countess Mila. Nureddin travels to Jerusalem to query King Amalric about Saladin's disappearance. When Karategin informs Shirkuh, Shaver, and Yaruki that Saladin is in Cairo, their plans for Egypt are altered.
Saladin, enduring many hardships for Jerusalem, finds solace in the voice of Şemse, who stops a fierce battle between him and Balian with her singing. Şemse breaks her oath for silence at Kadı Fazıl's request, saving Saladin and Balian from Vizier Dırgam's wrath. Kadı Fazıl, with Karategin and Yaruki, aims to save Saladin from the slave trader Elyesa. Count Hugh, protector of Ibelin, entrusts his last wish to Lord Giyom. Count Miles of Kerak, who trapped Saladin, ultimately leaves his fate in Saladin's hands. King Amalric, masking ambition with peace, ignores Miles' funeral, leading Miles' widow Mila to vow revenge with Cemşit's help. Kadı Fazıl, battling with words, enlists Şemse to join a scheme on the Nile. Şemse, amazed at seeing a dream figure in reality, ponders if she will fall for Saladin. Saladin, with loyal followers, shifts Egypt's balance, affecting Shaver and Dırgam's fates. The Nile becomes a metaphorical stage, deciding who rises and falls.