The story begins with Eythan, a once-celebrated warrior, standing on the edge of the ruins of his homeland. The kingdom of his ancestors has been destroyed in a bloody battle, leaving nothing but ashes and the echoes of lost lives. His royal family is gone, the castle reduced to rubble, and his people scattered or slain.
Eythan, who had once fought alongside his brothers and sisters in arms, now finds himself alone, walking through the desolation. His thoughts are consumed by vengeance against those who betrayed his kingdom. He recalls the bitter taste of the last battle, the feeling of betrayal when his closest allies turned against him. The fire of rage burns deep inside him, but beneath it, a sense of emptiness lingers—his quest for revenge is the only thing driving him forward.
As he wanders the barren landscape, Eythan comes across a few survivors, peasants and soldiers who have lost everything just as he has. They speak of the enemy's cruelty and the dark forces that had a hand in the kingdom's fall. Eythan's grief turns to fury, knowing that the men responsible for his suffering are still alive, plotting their next move.
The chapter ends with Eythan swearing an oath to find those responsible for the destruction of his kingdom and to take revenge, no matter the cost. But deep down, he wonders if this path will lead him to salvation—or if it will consume him entirely.