Strings plot
"We are all connected."
When the king of Hebalon dies in a dramatic way, there is a fear that the arch-enemies, the Zeriths, will use this event to foment the enmity. The main gates of the palace are closed and no one can enter. The Emperor's young son, Hal Tara, is bent on revenge and leaves the palace disguised as a slave and armed with his father's sword. Hal is unaware that his kingdom is under threat from within and that there are plans to overthrow him. He is accompanied on his journey to the Zeriths by the warrior and friend Erito. Hal's fear and hatred of the Zeriths grows as the journey progresses, nearly endangering his friendship with Erito.