After lifting the siege of Badon, Llanfel is desperate to continue his mission, but due to the cruel attack on Morgana, she will first need time to heal. 

Arthur wishes him to stay, not only because they need to discuss manning the outposts depleted by Llanfel raising the rescue force, but also what to do with the captured Kernowians and whether to pursue the fleeing Scotti and Kernowians. 

Llanfel though, is adamant that as soon as Morgana is well enough to ride, he will leave Katwyn, his new-found sister with the other young orphans and along with his close companions, continue his mission to unite the tribes. First though, he agrees he must gather those warriors Authur can spare to man the outpost of Caer Palladour on the edge of the Saxon incursion.

What his scouts discover on approaching the Caer is that it is manned now by Saxons. Llanfel, on hearing this accepts his priority is to drive them off. He also discovers from a nearby British settlement that it was a war band of Jutes  that laid waste to the Caer and were last known to be heading north and west.  A trek of violence that could lead to the Vale.

Dreading that any threat to the peaceful, integrated settlements of the vale must be stopped, after re-garrisoning the Caer, he moves with his remaining warriors after the Jute menace.

Slowly, as they advance through the newly ravaged countryside, intent on the pursuit, unbeknown to them all, emerging from the shadows is a greater and far more subtle danger, a force Llanfel has yet to meet. One that will affect the very future of them all.