Early summer 1371, and Owen Archer, originally in Wales on political duties, has been unable to leave, delayed by the death of his father-in-law. While trying to arrange safe passage to York, he learns of the death of a stonemason working for him. The shadow of suspicion falls on the family he was to sail with and his hopes of departure fade. He encounters an old acquaintance, Martin Wirthir, a mercenary. Wirthir wants Owen to work for the infamous Owain Lawgoch, would-be Redeemer of Wales, and to bring his family to Wales, escaping from the control of the Archbishop of York. Meanwhile, Owen's wife Lucie, York's Apothecary, is disheartened by her husband's long absence and distraught to learn of her father's death. When her father's manor is brutally attacked, Lucie hires an unknown stranger as steward. But is he trustworthy? Or is he part of the political struggle unfolding in York's midst?