An armed uprising in the capital, commanded by Duke Rugis Camellia, devastates the Kingdom of Hortensia, killing or vanishing every royal. Knight Maurice Baudelaire narrowly survives the ensuing turmoil after his brother, Fernando Albert, falls to a werewolf in combat. To pay tribute to his kin, Maurice journeys to Albert"s estate and hands the family sword to the boy Alfred Ober. Though sorrowful, Alfred recalls a promise made with his father—to become a knight and defend the Albert Dominion. Under Maurice"s guidance, Alfred sharpens his fighting prowess to honor that pledge. Training beside him is Marius Casterede, a curious youth whose true age remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Pope Alexi Valdebron issues the decree to seize the missing princess and anoints Charlot D'Hortensia as sovereign. The Hortensia Saga chronicles solidarity and resolve as Alfred, Marius, and Maurice unite with allies old and new to usher hope into the kingdom"s bleak era. The city streets echo with shattered banners and the scent of iron. Maurice"s heart pounds as he remembers the oath whispered under moonlit skies. His resolve strengthens today.
