There was once a king who ruled over many land. This land was called Marandith. He used his power well, and hoped the other rulers would do the same. With so much power, the king wished to be able to pass on his throne to a true king. And so, his wife born a son. This son was named Allard. The king was delighted now that he was sure of the kingdom's future.

Soon, the king heard of a hidden power deep in the iron hills. It was said that this power could bring immortality. In search of this magic, the king left, bidding all farewell and assuring his return in two years time. But the king did not know that he would be leaving his wife to give birth to yet another child.

This child was named Barric. Barric was born when Allard was three years old.

When one year had passed, the king had not returned. They waited one month before sending out scouts to find him. Allard had grown worried because now that he was five, he understood the dangers of the world beyond Marandith. Barric, being only two, could not worry about his father, though some claim that they see understanding in the young boy's eyes.

Four months passed, and a scout returned to Marandith with news. The queen, rushing to hear what he had to say, was horribly disappointed to find that her husband was dead, killed by orcs. Allard was miserable, but Barric was unreadable. He showed no emotions to his father's death, whether he was upset or not.

The queen spent hours in her room staring at the wall or crying into her pillow. She was worried for her family's safety without her husband at her side. But it was not only that her husband had helped and protected them for so long, but it was also that something bad was going to happen. She had suspected it before, but she was certain now that her husband had been killed by orcs. Orcs had stayed hidden within the mountains for very long, never bothersome, awaiting the arrival of a sinister force. A leader that they could follow into war and destruction.

Now the queen could feel it. A dark stirring in the depths of evil, a new leader being born.