The village of Verostand is set upon by demons, sent by the Dark Father of Hate. He is intent on slaying all boys born in a certain two month period, the period that marks the birth of the Vanguard. Only one boy from this narrow window still lives, Tram Malian, a young farm boy. Accompanied by a few friends, Tram flees the attacking demons, traveling the world while he waits for the true vanguard to come forward and save him from his plight. Growing more and more tired of constantly being chased, Tram unwittingly fulfills various prophesies from around the world, gaining new friends and allies. Finally accepting his fate, Tram faces down one of the Dark Lords that has been hounding him, somehow killing the immortal demon in an epic battle. Only then does he truly accept his fate, that he is to reclaim the throne of Ishtaria, and ultimately save the world.