Episode 3 of "Chief of War" unfolds a year after the dramatic events of the previous week, setting the scene in Alaska, where Ka’iana finds himself amidst the English, gradually delving deeper into the nuances of their language. The stark contrast between the alien weather conditions and the snow-capped peaks towering above him stands in sharp juxtaposition to the sun-drenched shores of Hawai’i he once knew.
Intriguingly, John—the individual rescued by the tribes at the cliffhanger of episode 2—is also present here, imparting the English language to the local children. Among them stands Ka’ahumanu, whose insatiable thirst for knowledge and discovery remains as fervent as ever, unwavering through the passage of time.
Meanwhile, both regions are ensnared in the sinister grip of the tyrannical King Kahekili, whose relentless ambition to satisfy his bloodthirsty desire for dominion knows no bounds. In O’ahu, the chiefs of Maui remain steadfast in their pursuit, yearning for the fulfillment of the Prophecy. The War Party has convened, and the Prince is summoned to their ranks.
However, a sinister plot unfolds within the King’s council, where the food is laced with poison by usurpers intent on halting the bloodshed. Unfortunately for them, their conspiracy is uncovered by the King himself, who exerts his dominion by threatening the lives of their wives. The pretense of “loyalty” falls flat, as the King stages a dramatic spectacle by poisoning one man’s wife in front of him, serving as a grim reminder of his absolute power.
Ka’iana, despite his bravery in saving the Captain, is still regarded as an outsider by the English and finds himself spending more time with the firearms. He yearns to return home and engage in trade, fully aware that war looms on the horizon. Among the crew, only Tony, who understands the isolation of being an outsider due to the pervasive racism among the men—particularly Marley—extends a hand of camaraderie to him.
As they prepare to embark once more upon the waters bound for Hawai’i, Zamboanga stands as their inaugural port of call, nestled deep within the historic heart of the Spanish East Indies. It’s a realm apart, a vivid tapestry of alien influences that Ka’iana discovers firsthand as he meanders through its labyrinthine streets. His attire, unmistakably foreign, attracts curious glances, and when he attempts to procure firearms, he finds himself adrift in unfamiliar waters. The cherished values of honor and tradition that define his homeland clash sharply with the cutthroat world of pirates and thieves, almost landing Ka’iana in dire straits.
Just as tempers are flaring and a brawl with a fellow traveler looms on the horizon, a woman intercedes, introducing herself to Ka’iana. She is Waine’e, known to the locals as Vai, a fellow Hawaiian expatriate. Though her heart clearly yearns for news of her homeland, Ka’iana curtly informs her of a “gross misunderstanding” that he is eager to rectify. To do so, he desperately needs weapons—an abundance of them.
Vai, it transpires, possesses the means to assist him… but at a cost. In exchange for her aid, she seeks his help in brokering a deal. The merchant she deals with is relentless in his haggling, prompting Vai to propose a solution: offering their precious sandalwood to entice these “fair-skinned” traders, using Hawai’i as a stepping stone to untold wealth. Ka’iana's role would be to persuade the Chiefs to grant the English safe passage, unmolested as they ply their trade.
Vai is convinced that this arrangement will prove beneficial to all, but Ka’iana remains unconvinced, believing that her prolonged absence has altered her perspective, rendering her blind to the world as he knows it. Yet, this appears to be their sole viable course of action. They must either master the trade routes or risk losing everything. This concession, however, entails surrendering a piece of their world.
Marley, ever the opportunist, decides to forge his own path, approaching Captain Metcalfe, a rival, with a bold proposal: to assault the Pacific Islands and “impose order” upon the natives. Confident in their firepower, he believes they can seize this crucial trade nexus for themselves.
In the serene yet rugged waters of Hawai’i, the men have embarked on an arduous underwater training regimen, hefting boulders beneath the waves and holding their breath, their stamina, fortitude, and unyielding will put to the ultimate test. One by one, the warriors succumb to exhaustion, leaving Kamehameha as the lone figure still standing resiliently. Among the ranks of warriors, he stands out, but his destiny is woven with threads of greatness beyond mere combat.
Summoned to the Ka’u District, Kamehameha is honored by the King with the solemn duty of leading his tribe into their most monumental battle yet. The King, in his twilight years, prepares to pass the mantle to Keoua, a man burning with ambition and a desperate need to prove his mettle. Keoua's plan is audacious—to beckon Kahekili, the God of War, to the shores of Ka’u, trusting in divine intervention to silence enemy ships and secure victory. This faith in the gods is a perilous gamble, one that Kamehameha finds hard to endorse.
Instead, Kamehameha adopts a pragmatic approach, believing that bolstering their food supplies—a task he has discreetly initiated—is paramount to preventing illness among his men, which could decimate their ranks.
Meanwhile, Ka’ahumanu's darkest fear materializes. Her marriage, long postponed, is now upon her. Her father, Moku, sees no other alternative and believes Kamehameha might very well be the prophesied leader. He envisions Ka’ahumanu's fierce independence and determination guiding Kamehameha with the same strength she possesses. The wedding proceeds, with Ka’ahumanu bound by duty to bear Kamehameha a son. According to custom, onlookers outside watch the shadowy silhouettes of the newlyweds consummating their union.
As the episode draws to a close, we return to Zamboanga, where Tony's fortune takes a grim turn as he inadvertently discovers Marley's treacherous scheme. Caught off guard, Tony is brutally overpowered by Marley's compatriots, who ultimately sentence him to a life of slavery.
