Duke Mad-thane is the captain of the Claimh Solais, flagship of the Mad-thane Fleet, and is charged with the defense of Minagith and Norkia from the invading Disith. The defense of Minagith fails when the Disith break battle regulations and launch a surprise attack. Though the code of chivalry demands that the Mad-thane Fleet fight and die to the last man, a letter from his daughter delivered by Claus Valca and Lavie Head convinces Duke Mad-thane to order a retreat and live to fight another day. This action causes him to be branded a coward by other nobles.