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This story takes place mainly in the Kingdom of Melina. The local traditions state that only the man holding the sacred crest of Melina can become king. Because of this, the leadership has changed hands many times when the crest was not hidden properly. The current king has been quite careful about its hiding and has it well guarded. Only he and his wife know its location and how it is protected.

The neighboring country of Radovir seeks to take control of Melina through use of this tradition. If Radovir's king, Roddic the IV gets control, he will have Melina annexed into his empire in a bid to grow his power even more.

Caught up in this story of war and intrigue is Roddick the V, better known to his wife and friends as Gray the mercenary. He is the son of Radovir's current king and has given up his right to the throne for the freedom of having a non-human bride, the she-Orc Sha'kir. Together these two mercenaries are fighting for their freedom from Radovir by paying off any of Gray's debts to his father.