Idir ibn Tara'hin was once a warrior of the Golden Court. He was a hero and a celebrity in his homeland, and he was feared in the lands of his enemies. He owned a magical sword he named Jewel of the Sands, and he had a wife and many children. But he had a flaw, and that was a hot temper. He was quick to anger and quick to forgive and quick even to forget a slight against him, but during the initial anger, there was great danger for the object of his wrath.

One day, Idir was at market. During this fateful day, he noticed at one stall a beautiful ring that he thought would look good on his wife's finger.He began to haggle with the merchant, and the skilled haggling of the merchant began to anger him. While engaged in this argument, a street thief snuck up and drew out Idir's sword from his belt scabbard. As Idir's anger rose, he reached for the sword and discovered that it was not there. He flew into a rage and blamed the merchant. The ensuing argument brought others to the fray. The people naturally took the side of the hero that they loved. The merchant's family took the merchant's side. The merchant's youngest boy, though, worshiped Idir, the hero, and watching that man strike his father, he fell into despair.

After striking the merchant, Idir realized the error of his actions, but it was too late. The blow had killed the merchant. The youngest son ran to his father, and, in tears, cursed Idir to lose everything that had once made him great. Idir tried to apologize, to make reparations. He paid the family handsomely. He openly apologized. He arranged dowries, scholarships, and support for the children. He repented in temple. He did everything he could.

But the curse was too strong. The boy's heart was still broken.

First, Idir's wife fell ill, and Idir found all the money he had spent in penance had taken away his fortune. He had no money for a healer. He did all he could do: he returned to being a warrior. While away, his children were targeted by his enemies, and each of them died. In battle, he was wounded, and he lost his sword arm. He tried to learn with his other arm to be a great warrior, but that, too, lead to pain. He soon also lost an eye.

He returned home in disgrace, only to find his wife dead as well. His home had been ransacked by thieves. His place at court was lost to dishonor. His disfigurement left him both unattractive and unrecognizable. No one believed he was Idir, whom they all assumed dead. At his darkest, lowest moment, a man came to him.

Zevulun offered Idir a chance to be reborn, and Idir took it.