Taliesin escapes Affalon to discover things in the world are much changed. Uthyr Pendragon has taken Gorlois’ widow, Igerna, as his wife, and elevated Caer Leon to its former Roman glory. Peace may be short-lived, however, for rumours abound that Octa, son of Hengist, is alive and raising forces overseas, even though he was believed to have been executed in front of thousands at Uthyr’s victory games in Caer Lundein.
That is not all Taliesin learns from Uthyr. He discovers Nimue has left Affalon as well, traveling under her mortal name of Viviaine, and has allied herself with Myrthin. Sick with bitterness over her betrayal, he races north to warn Arhianna, only to discover she has set off on a journey of her own. In his efforts to find and protect her, he strays into an ever-more complicated labyrinth of deceit.
Arhianna still remembers nothing of Knockma. Redevoted to her husband, she leaves Mynyth Aur and follows him into Saxon territory in search of his clan, knowing he shall never be content until he learns what has become of his people. Her decision changes her fate in drastic ways, sending her on a journey that takes everything from her but her will to survive.
Meanwhile, Igerna grapples with whether or not to tell Uthyr about the mystery surrounding her unborn child, for she knows the truth could cost her everything.
Though they do not yet know it, they all have an immense role to play in the great wars to come; wars that threaten to take far more from the clans of Brython than their fortresses, fields and forests. Should they fail, their enemies will wipe out their gods and stories, ancient rites and sacred places, leaving nothing in their wake but the history they choose to write across their trampled bones.
