The Empire of Bataria is left without an heir apparent after Emperor Apius' untimely death. Different factions arise in the struggle to seize power, and Valerius of Trakesia emerges as the new emperor. Fifteen years after his ascension to power, his nephew, Petrus of Trakesia becomes Emperor Valerius II.
The new emperor summons Martinian of Batiara to adorn a sanctuary in honor of Jad. Crispin of Rhodias ends up masquerading as Martinian. On his way to the emperor, Crispin is forced to meet Queen Gisel of Antae who has a proposition for Valerius II. She wishes to be betrothed to the emperor and hand him her kingdom.
Crispin runs into a squad of soldiers led by Carullus. They have been sent by the emperor to escort Martinian to Sarantium. Crispin arrives in Sarantium and presents himself to the Emperor. He reveals his true identity, but the emperor was already aware of it.
Emperor Valerius II refuses Queen Gisel's proposition but invites her to Sarantium to stage a war. Crispin is taken to the sanctuary to begin his work. He spends much of his time working in the sanctuary and getting acquainted with matters of the royal court.
