Pavia finally met her match when Guina returned at the head of a combined army and reclaimed the throne. With Bradwr dead, her son and daughter-in-law under house arrest, and Duncan returned as High Priest, Guina can now restore order to the kingdom. All she needs is a new Lord Chamberlain, loyal commanderie lords, and perhaps a new husband who actually loves her.

At least that's the plan.

Unfortunately, affairs in the south aren't looking so good. Alexis is still in Drunedun with all the kingdom's tarrac looking to establish her own mini-kingdom, while Prince Dade of Glanon has decided his father has lived long enough and needs to step aside ? dead or alive... preferably dead. And then there are the mountain tribes of Cinoc Mar who are plotting to wrest part of Gambria away from the kingdom.

Then there's that one little problem of a former king who just won't die.

Oh, by the way, not everyone is thrilled to have Duncan back as High Priest. Already plans are in motion to permanently eliminate him.