One day, an unnamed six-year-old boy is taken by his grandfather to a military base in Moonseye. The boy's grandfather claims that he is the king-in-waiting's bastard son, something which complicates both the boy and future king's lives. The boy and his grandfather eventually come face-to-face with Prince Verity, who is the boy's uncle. Prince Verity speaks with the boy and determines that he should be taken into the care and custody of Burrich, the king-in-waiting's confidant and right-hand man.
Because the boy does not know his own name, Burrich makes up a name for him. Burrich chooses Fitz. The two then begin a journey to the seat of the throne in Buckkeep. But before Fitz can meet his father, his father abdicates the title of king-in-waiting. That way, there will no uncertainty surrounding Fitz' claim to the throne.
Thereafter, the king-in-waiting and his wife swiftly retire to a remote place without ever meeting Fitz (Fitz' half-brother already does not like Fitz and treats him horribly when Fitz arrives). With Fitz' father not wanting to have anything to do with him, Burrich is left to raise the young boy. Because he is a bastard child, Fitz is treated poorly by virtually everyone, so he starts a friendship with a dog named Nosy. Fitz quickly discovers that he has a gift which allows him to telepathically communicate with animals. Burrich, however, discovers this and quickly takes the dog away. Before doing so, Burrich warns Fitz not to use his gift ever again.
Eventually, Fitz is noticed by King Shrewd, who determines that Fitz will, because he is a bastard child, either be an asset or liability for him and his power. Fitz quickly pledges his undying loyalty to the King. Because of that, the King invites the boy to come live with him in the castle, where he will get a proper education and a proper education in combat. Meanwhile, Fitz' father is killed after an accident and Fitz receives another dog which he uses his gift to connect with.
The King eventually enlists Fitz' help on some of his assassination work. Fitz, naturally, excels in his work and he is given progressively more assignments. On one mission, Fitz is put in grave danger but is rescued by his dog, Nosy, who Burrich had not, in fact, killed. Fitz is severely injured but completes his mission, but not before Nosy is killed.
