Masul, the Pretender, was born in 698 on Roelstra's barge. His mother, Ailech, was a servant in the kitchens of Castle Crag as was her husband. Both Ailech and her husband died shortly after Masul's birth, and Masul was taken to Dason Manor, where Ailech's parents were pensioners. As Masul grew it became evident that he was not the son of Ailech's husband, to whom he bore no resemblance; Masul was tall, dark, and green-eyed, while the husband was short and dark. Ailech's family was blonde, short, and generally brown-eyed. After putting up with snide comments all through his youth, Masul turned into a bitter young man, full of wounded pride and a desire to prove himself superior to everyone else. When rumors spread about him being the possible son of the late High Prince, Masul latched onto the rumor as truth. He learned how to ride, use the sword, and speak like a highborn; he awaited the time when he could reclaim his father's throne.