Part 1: Prologue - Chapter 1

Prince Adam had been spoiled his entire life. He was born into a wealthy family. His father, Firmin, ascended to the throne of a small region when he has young, just barely eighteen. He married a woman chosen by his advisers and had a child within a year. He was intent on being a mature king, though in many ways he was still a child.

Firmin was smart and kind, but his advisers told him he had to expand his kingdom. He was told he couldn't stay a king of a small part of the world because he would be overtaken by others. Firmin came to believe he had to conquer before he was conquered. He spent the rest of his life trying to do just that. However, he was a poor warrior and too young to understand what was important. After two years of attacking other villages and lordships, with barely any land gained, he was killed in battle. It was not a heroic death. He tried to break in to a stronghold. When he inevitably failed due to his lack of training and lack of heart, he turned with his soldiers to leave. Walking to their horses, Firmin took off his helmet. It is unclear why. His closest friend, a man ten years older than Firmin who didn't like him very much, says Firmin went into every battle like it was a game. He never thought there would be any real danger. His friend believes that Firmin thought the fight was over because he walked away, so no danger could come to him now. This is never the case in war, however, and the enemy saw an opportunity. Firmin was a nuisance to countless lords and their kings. An archer aimed and shot Firmin through the back of his head. He quickly released a second arrow just for good measure.

The soldiers brought Firmin's body back to his home, a great castle in the heart of his land. It was the most protected place in all of Firmin's small kingdom. After carrying the box inside, the leader of the company explained the situation to Marie, Firmin's loyal wife and queen.

Firmin had done little more than make many enemies. He was like a wild, stupid dog annoying more powerful dogs for fun. Even though Firmin was dead, the angry lords would still seek revenge. They would want to completely rub out anyone who was in Firmin's company just to make sure they would not be bothered again. The soldier told Marie he had set up a very good deal for her and her son. She would just have to say yes for it to be put into action.

All of Firmin's land had to be given, not sold, to the most powerful lords in the region. They wanted something for all the trouble Firmin had caused. They were kind enough to realize Marie and her young son needed to eat, so they would allow them one corner of the land in a very rural area. There was an old, unused castle there. It was a good size, though much smaller than the one they currently lived in. Marie and her son could have that castle, the small amount of farming land close to it, and a company of servants. They simply had to give everything else away, live out in the middle of nowhere, and not bother anyone ever again.

Marie agreed because she had a secret. She knew her son would never want for anything because of this secret. She told the soldier she would gladly take this deal. The soldier said there was one more stipulation: the lords demanded to see her in person to make sure everything was crystal clear.

Marie, young Adam, their servants, and their best belongings traveled half-way to their new home. There was a village here where the lords had gathered to meet Marie. She met with them alone in a tavern, while the servants and Adam stretched their legs and found something to eat. Marie sat down with five wealthy, brave, powerful men. They talked about nothing in particular before someone swung the conversation towards Firmin and what a useless little waste of a man he was. The men said they were glad he was dead. Marie pointed out it's rude to say such things to a widow. To this one man told her she shouldn't be in mourning. Firmin was a drain on everyone, including her. Now, she can have a long, healthy, stable life, and she can raise up her boy to be a better man than his father. Marie did nothing but purse her lips.

After an hour or so, the men decided it was time to leave. They told her they wanted to see her eyes to make sure she understood to stay hidden away in that castle. She could never understand the anger they had felt for Firmin. One told her that if he still lived, they would probably crush her little throat right now. Another stepped in and said it was definitely time to leave, that Marie will surely keep to the agreement. A third leaned close to her and whispered something rude, indicting he'd be willing to take her as a wife. As they left the tavern, one more turned to her and looked her straight in the eyes and said, "You make sure your boy understands that he is no prince, he has no kingdom, and he has no reason to seek revenge for his father. You make sure he understands. If he ever comes around with a sword in his hand, we will make sure he dies faster than his father did."

With that, they turned and walked away down the street, leaving Marie in the doorway by herself as the sun started to set. Those lords truly hated her just because she was Firmin's wife, and they would put that same hate on Adam. She knew she had to keep him protected. She knew she had to raise him by herself. She knew he had to be a better man than his father ever was.