Adare, duke of Ghieste was a proud and noble lord. His two sons, Haley and Ailin, were each talented and worthy each in their own way. Haley showed promise as a wizard. Ailin was a powerful knight. As Haley was the older, Ailin eventually turned his service to neighboring Mhoried, where he became a captain of infantry and saw much service against the goblins of Markazor.

Haley was sent to Illien to study true magic under the mastery of the great mage Bertram Aglondier. Under Bertram's training, Haley became a skilled wizard. Adare had wanted Haley to learn not only true magic, but statecraft as well, for Bertram was also the count of Illien. Haley, however, neglected administration, diplomacy, and politics.

Ailin became close friends with Robert Mhoried, the Mhor's heir. When Robert succeeded his father, Ailin became a trusted lieutenant. Ailin eventually was encouraged to go in search of the Ruby of Moyers, a sielshegh gem said to extend the power of a ruler's authority.

While Ailin searched for the Ruby of Moyers, Adare, duke of Ghieste died and Haley returned to Ghieste to succeed him. He brought along his wife, Chandra, who was a priestess of Ruornil and skilled with the arcane arts as well. He also brought her brother, Sanat, a cunning aristocrat and a great seeker of power. Haley did not concern himself with his duchy and was easily persuaded to make his brother-in-law Chancellor. Sanat carried the ducal signet ring and never had difficulty getting Haley to use the great ring to enact any policy Sanat proposed. The Chancellor imposed heavy taxation. The court became lavish. The army was enlarged. Castles were built. Magical activities were well funded.

In Mhoried, the lovely Alera of Bhalaene, who had once been romanticaly involved with Ailin, convinced the Mhor to help her find Ailin to let him know what was transpiring in Ghieste. In Brectür, Alera caught up with Ailin. He had recently aquired the shield known as feürfest. Ailin abandoned the quest for the Ruby of Moyers and returned home.

continued...