The Grand Dutchy of Karameikos was simply not big enough for the Duke. He wanted more. The Duke decided on expanding his lands the old fashioned way. Invasion and conquest!
Sitting near your Officers quarters at a wharf front tavern in Specularum, you gaze upon the beautiful sunset and sip a pint. A Duke's Messenger is heard down the street. He is looking for you! You think to hide, but then remember your duty as an officer, a leader of men into battle! He hands you the scroll with a slight bow, and runs away. You unfurl the scroll and sip again on the pint, before you read the top. You are to meet at the Duke's Armory, with utmost haste!
Six months later...you lead a small army of swordsmen, reinforced with a few archers and crossbowmen. As your missile troops marched ahead into the unknown territory, your knights became bogged down in the mud and slowed. Your crossbowmen and archers soon marched too far ahead and were captured by the soldiers of Hoskings Manor without a fight as they climbed a mud hill. Lord Hosking is not an evil man, and will trade the prisoners back if you leave his territory. They sit in a walled prison compound, guarded by firethrowers and pikemen outside. If you can rescue them, they can by used in the assault on the manor house on the hill. Use your king in battles this day!
Look for a nice little extra. Next to the shrine where all your knights start is a ghostly shape. The image fades in and out, but looks extremely realistic with the cramped slum area with shrine. Watch for that effect and good luck~~~~~~~