Aethelhard Elwyn has made a dangerous trip to his father’s friend Hutton D'arcy to ask for his help. Aethelhard’s castle has fallen into enemy hands and killed his father. He saw his father’s head on a pole above the castle. He was on the final approach to Lord D'arcy’s and safety. Aethelhard explains to Hutton the treachery at his father’s castle that lead to its downfall. Hutton is hesitant to help him. Aethelhard hasn’t the skills yet that he needs to lay siege to the castle. Aethelhard explains the enemy was in the castle before it fell into enemy hands. He even mentions that Hutton may have spies within his own castle. Hutton angrily says there are no spies at his castle. Aethelhard then sees Kylin D'arcy. She is no longer the playmate he remembers years ago when the two families met. She is a beautiful maiden now but still spirited. Hutton has tried to marry her but she doesn’t love them. Hutton in anger says she will marry Lord Claec Quintrell. Befor the wedding Aethelhard and Kylin disappear. They find Aethelhard but not Kylin. Hutton wants Aethelhard put in the castle jail until he decides what to do. Aethelhard finds out Lady Laila has some kind of magic but he doesn’t know what. Where does this magic come from and what about a secret organization with a cross? Aethelhard and Kylin are told about the magic, cross, and a place called Hy-Brasil where Kylin was born. But what does all of this have to do with their eight-year-old son, Nantres?