36 parts Complete When the cast and crew arrive in Hammond to film a documentary about life in the medieval stronghold, Ain is seeking something very different than are the hundreds of others who arrive beside him. Desperately he is searching for a solace from the hurt his life has dealt him, and he looks toward the months ahead in his role as Hammond's First Knight as a respite - a turning point - from his long despair. But when the power flickers and goes out, everything is turned upside down. All modern machinery suddenly becomes useless, and every form of communication with the outside world is severed. Hammond is cut off and left to wonder what has caused these things to happen.
All seem to look to Ain for answers, and a series of visions and signs suggests he has been set apart to serve a noble purpose in this strangely altered world. This purpose, however, he wishes to deny, for he deems himself unworthy to pursue it. Yet there is one who sees him and his purpose truly, even in the spite of his denial. Mallory guesses his secrets and, against his every resistance, has soundly claimed his heart. Even so, Ain is convinced he must not let her have it, for he believes that giving her his love will bring about her doom.
Then a chance meeting with a stranger in the fields turns deadly, and everyone is panicked, fearing all the world has been upended; then in the midst of all their fears, Mallory suddenly falls ill.
Even while Mallory's fate is yet uncertain, Ain is pressed to journey out beyond their borders in hopes of finding help and comfort and good news to soothe the hearts at Hammond. A small company he takes with him, but the more they see and learn, the more their hopes subside. Misery and need, neglect and great misfortune meet them everywhere they go, and Hammond's travelers feel helpless as they face it. And when they begin to be pursued, Ain's last remaining hope is just to get them back to Hammond's gates alive...
