Edris's lay-about life of privilege ends abruptly when his father, Lord Elros, announces that his adolescent son will enter the military in the spring. Edris has only six months to ready himself to serve a king who despises his family and will undoubtedly make his life beyond miserable. To prepare him, Lord Elros puts Edris through a brutal training regime. Not only does he demand Edris beat every man with whom he spars, but he also insists his son knock them unconscious - even if that means fighting dirty. About to crack under the relentless pressure, the sensitive Edris seeks a way to get out from under his father's heavy thumb. A solution presents itself when an announcement for the latest Kings' Quest arrives. According to the royal proclamation, the adventurer who finds the fabled Sword of Betrayal will win one thousand gold pieces, money Edris could use to start his own life with the woman he loves. Edris proposes to undertake the quest in order to get in better shape; however, Lord Elros has another idea - Edris will undertake the quest so he can get close to, and kill, the king's son.