Synopsis: Sons and Daughters

Fredrick, the ruler of Trazul, has three heirs, two sons and a daughter. The first son, Manuel, is heir to the throne and is gay. He has no desire to rule. He only wants to live out his festive life of carnal pleasures; a real disappointment to his father. But tradition dictates that he take the throne upon his fathers death.

His younger brother, Raul, aware of his father’s disappointment; and not adverse to the idea of ruling Trazul himself, plots against his brother. Raul kills his brother, Manuel and admits it to his father, the king, believing that his father will be happy. But the king is infuriated and threatens to have Raul executed. Raul then ends his fathers life as well and assumes the throne.

Raul’s sister, Venus, learns of her brother’s treachery from a trusted advisor, who is now in her brother’s service. She turns to the Grand Council for assistance, but the Council of Twelve are easily manipulated and her brother has promised them untold riches for their loyalty.

When Venus learns that Raul has promised her hand in marriage to Lord Hertu, of the Irojo Empire; partly to form an alliance between the two warring nations, and partly to punish and banish her from his kingdom, she runs away and seeks the help of the Barbarian nation of Averde.

Venus disappearance on her wedding day begins a war between the Trazul and the Irojo, two of the three largest nations on the planet. With Averde remaining Neutral, or is it?