From the introduction:
"Prince Feckless Kidnapped!" the headlines scream on the newsparchments. You buy a copy and quickly read the story, looking for an opportunity for adventure and employment. Apparently Feckless was out riding in the forest yesterday and was nabbed by a band of brigands who are holding him for, well, a princely ransom. The King is distressed and the peasantry is already boiling in anger at the prospect of another unpopular tax hike to pay off the ransom for the prince.
This adventure was written for ideally four Player Characters. A well balanced party should include one Wizard, a Rogue, and two Warriors.