Heartwood used to be a peaceful place, full of laughter and happiness. Then one day a dark shadow fell over the land. The land was trampled on by Stephen Akakios's men. They burned everything they touched, starving the world of happiness.

For three years Stephen ruled, treating the citizen like they were animals or circus freaks to be used at his disposal. Eric Evans lived in Rocky Springs, a days journey away from Heartwood. Eric felt it his duty to over throw Stephen. Eric married Jessi, who just so happens to be Stephen's little sister and she was pregnant with her first child.
Scared for her child's future and safety she and the new born hid when Stephen tried to take Rocky Springs, lucky the battle took a miracle turn and Stephen was defeated, he ran with a few of his men into the deep woods never to be heard from again.

Now The Evans have three children the eldest is Brandon, and the two others are twins Ella and Jayson. Eric lives in Heartwood now, seeing as he is the mayor of Heartwood now.

Despite his heroic deeds the media loves to print lies about his family. His two youngest are the main targets for a lot of the headlines. And on top of that there a rumors about the 'Akakios' still being around only hiding. The Media loves to ruin the life's of the rich and famous.

After so many years the town is starting to deteriorate in some places, in fear of the Akakios. There have been a few murders here and there but Mayor Evans has denied that they were an "Akakios assualt".

The Akakios.
After Stephen retreated into the woods, he started to regain his strength. Hiding underneath the very city he once owned, he constantly regains power and has doubled his original soldier count. (2,000 men). Stephen knows that he can't continue with his reign underground, with no offspring's of his own he has chosen the best student at the academy. James Landon will take his place soon, but first Stephen needs to know where James' loyalty is.