The quest of the Seven Swords kills anyone foolish enough to seek its secret.
Ridmark Arban is the Shield Knight, but he is the only Swordbearer in the realm of Owyllain.
That means he is the only warrior capable of defending Owyllain from the forces of dark magic.
But the powers of darkness have servants in Owyllain, servants who are more than willing to put a dagger in Ridmark's back...