He learned of the Blessed Isles, concealed by thick, white mist and home to incredible riches - including the Waters of Life, which may yet be able to heal the Queen. Hecarim, curious about her journey, went to visit the general. Furious that his general had come too late to save his wife, the King had Kalista thrown in a cell. The King agreed, but while the Order was preparing to ride against the kingdom's enemies, General Kalista returned, having found the antidote to the poison on the Blessed Isles. He proposed that the King should deploy the Order to attack Camavor's foreign enemies to avenge the murdered Queen. Eventually, the Queen died, presenting a new opportunity for Hecarim to advance his brutal reputation. The Order put hundreds to death and burned entire towns. The King, overcome by paranoia and seeing traitors everywhere, sent the Iron Order and its new Commander to quell all dissent within Camavor. The General was on a desperate mission to find a cure for the Queen, who had been poisoned by an assassin. On his way to be officially sworn in as the new Knight-Commander of the Iron Order, Hecarim met General Kalista. After the battle, the Iron Order swore allegiance to Hecarim, unaware of his involvement in their fallen commander's death.
Hecarim chose to turn away and leave his commander to die.
On being told of this decision by the Commander, Hecarim was furious, but returned to his duties with the Order.ĭuring the Order's next battle, Hecarim found the Commander surrounded by enemies and cut off from reinforcements. Due to his many victories in battle, the Knight-Commander of the Order had considered Hecarim as a potential candidate to succeed him and lead the Order some day, but when the Commander realized Hecarim's growing darkness and lust for personal glory, he concluded that Hecarim should never lead the Order. In life, Hecarim had been a lieutenant of the Iron Order, charged with protecting the lands owned by King Viego of Camavor.