Deryk is the third son of Duke Almeeda, ruler of a small, but properous, plains kingdom. Taught young in chivalry, archery, swordsmanship and riding, Deryk was never quite content. He disliked being the youngest son and took to spending much time with Shadow, the Duke's apothecary, who was rumoured to dabble more in poisons then cures.

Following the mysterious and rather suspicious death of his oldest sibling, Deryk, then aged sixteen, was sent out on his first quest - to obtain some item or another from some place. This did not content him either, instead he got the idea in his head that his father held him responsible for his brother's death, even though there was no proof, and that it was his punishment to be sent in search of some item that did not even exist.