And they passed a great many things, for now they were deep into the forests of what was once, not too long ago, the Great Northern Kingdom. Ruins ancient and not so ancient dotted the country side. Although still within the borders of the Morgan Kingdom, this land seemed a long way from home. The lands around the mighty Maru river were gained by conquest, when Ithael was just a child.

The Great Northern Kingdom had always been a benevolent friend to the north of the smaller Morgan Kingdom. That all changed when the ruling monarch, King Banedin died on the throne. His only heir, an infant girl, the princess Hywela.