You learn that King Lytanias was murdered by his younger son Steponas last winter and that Steponas has since disappeared. The King’s older son, Tornas has assumed the throne as is his birthright, but there are supporters of Steponas, repeatedly referred to as the Kinslayer said to be hiding in the hills. The Cydonic military is fractured as Tornas was head of the Army and Steponas was head of the Royal Guard tasked with protecting the King.