Book 5, Canto 10 Summary

Duessa's execution, delayed for a bit (three cantos), is finally carried out. Afterwards, two messengers arrive at the court seeking Mercilla's aid. Their mother, Belge, needs help ridding their land of a cruel tyrant, Geryoneo. The wicked man wormed his way into their widowed mother's good graces, then began feeding the lady's sons to a horrible monster. Belge has sent her two eldest boys to get help. Arthur offers to help, insisting that Artegall continue on his own mission (remember Eirena?), and he sets off with the boys. Arthur meets up with Belge and she explains the situation again. She points him towards the castle where Geryoneo lives and Arthur takes off.

Approaching the castle, Arthur challenges the man, but only a deputy (servant) is in residence. There is also a huge false idol with a man-eating monster hidden beneath, but...