The Kingdoms of Dolhr, Grust, and Gra join forces to wage war on the rest of the continent Archanea and defeat the Kingdom of Altea. King Cornelius is slain in battle, but his son, Prince Marth, escapes the invasion thanks to the sacrifice of his older sister, Elice. He and a small group of retainers find refuge on the island nation of Talys, where they spend the next three years in hiding under the protection of the royal family. Marth lives a peaceful life in Talys, enjoying the island's beauty and the friendship of its pegasus-riding princess, Caeda. Yet he feels uneasy, knowing that the day will soon come when he must take up arms. That day arrives when Caeda comes to Marth and his retainers in a panic, telling him that the castle town has been attacked. After some close calls, they manage to defeat the assailants and save the city. Realizing that his presence may bring further danger to his new home, Marth decides that now is the time to set off. He journeys to raise an army with which to reclaim his kingdom.