The King is worried about Scotia, an old witch and ruler of the Dark Army who has recently acquired a Nether Mask, which allows its user to assume any form of any power or capability. He orders a Champion to go to the manor of Sir Roland and fetch the Ruby of Truth, an artifact known to protect against the Nether Mask. However while the Champion is absent, Scotia has found her way in the Keep and poisoned King Richard. The Council led by Dawn protected him in a magical shroud and taken to Opinwood. There however he was taken to Castle Cimmeria.