Rene is a devoted warrior-monk of the renowned Knights Templar, an organization initially tasked with safeguarding Christian pilgrims but now plagued by greed and ambition among its leadership within the Crusader Kingdom. Betrayed by the corrupted intentions of those above him, Rene narrowly avoids death during the catastrophic Battle of Hattin in 1187, where much of the Christian forces perish. Captured by bandits on the field, he manages to escape and retreats into the desert. Rescued from famine by Hasan, an enigmatic Muslim wanderer, Rene repays the kindness later when Hasan confronts raiders sent by Salahuddin’s troops. Together, they seek shelter in an isolated oasis belonging to Soheila, widow of a Muslim soldier, who tends to Hasan's grievous injuries until he recovers fully.。