Although it takes several chapters for the author to reveal Daniel's backstory, eventually readers learn that Daniel fled to the mountain and joined Rosh's band when he ran away from his master, Amalek, a blacksmith to whom he had been apprenticed. Amalek was abusive, and Daniel reached the breaking point and ran. Previously, Daniel's family had gone through horrific trauma. Daniel's uncle had been arrested by Romans for not paying taxes. Daniel's father made a reckless attempt to free Daniel's uncle, and the result was that both his uncle and father, along with others who were part of the rescue attempt, were crucified. Daniel's mother died shortly after from the shock of that event. That left only Daniel's grandmother to support Daniel and Leah; she apprenticed him out because she couldn't afford to keep him.
On the mountain, Daniel is loyal to Rosh, who found him and took him in. Rosh is a bandit who Daniel believes will one day lead a successful rebellion against Rome. The bandits live in a cave and a camp on a mountain outside of the village where Daniel used to live. Because Daniel's whole life since his father's death has been dedicated to taking revenge on Rome, he is happy to live and work with Josh, waiting for the day when they will be strong enough to overthrow their oppressors.
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