A prophecy announces that one of two infants born tonight will rule the realm. King Vladimir declares Lady Morgana, who bore the 'star' daughter, as his new queen, while demoting the former Queen Evelyn to serve him. He gives Evelyn and her infant daughter, Ayla, to Morgana. Eighteen years later, Evelyn pleads for Ayla not to be sent to the deadly northern wastes, but Ayla reflects on a life of degradation and rails against being sold off like livestock.