A hidden prophecy about Samuel's future casts a shadow over his life from the time he is small. After his mother's death in childbirth, his father withdraws into a wounded silence, leaving Samuel to the care of Captain Stephen, who oversees his military education, and Cleric Jeremy, who oversees his moral and academic education. No one tells Samuel about the prophecy or about the dangerous wizard, Ablewis, who wants to kill him. Samuel grows strong and brave, but like his father, loss destroys him. After telling his father goodbye, Samuel escapes to the wilderness, where for nearly five years he builds his own shelter, catches his own food, and trains in warfare. He does not know that three years after his departure, Kristina is combing the kingdom to find him. Near the five-year mark, a scholar finds Samuel and gives him wine. Drunk, Samuel divulges who he is. The scholar, who is Ablewis disguised, poisons Samuel and traps him in a dream world that is a kind of reddish hell. Ablewis captures Kristina and disappears magically with her to his castle, far away. After burying his father, Samuel learns of the prophecy from Cleric Jeremy. Not only is Kristina in danger from Ablewis, but also two small girls, orphaned through Ablewis's evil and hidden by the creator, need Samuel's help. Samuel journeys to save the girls and Kristina.