In this first chapter, we are introduced to the protagonist, a young man who has just returned from a trip to the gods' temple in the city of Augheen, the capital city of the province of auhoon. He has just arrived at the temple when he hears his mother's voice, which he assumes is the voice of the goddess of love. She tells him that he has offended the gods and that he should be taken to the dungeons, where he will be tried and punished. The protagonist is outraged by this news and demands that his brother be taken away immediately.