For forty years, the Order of the Knights Ransomer has been the sword-arm and conscience of the kingdom. Their stronghold is Roq de Rançon, an ancient and mysterious fortress that is the key to Outremer's defense. But nomadic tribes on the kingdom's borders threaten to reclaim this land that was once theirs. And a heretic state within Outremer has magically closed itself off -- and been marked for destruction by the Order.

Marron, a young knight training to be a Ransomer, and Julianne, daughter of the King's Shadow and betrothed to a man she's never met, are journeying to Roq de Rançon. There each of them will be put to the test, as they become inextricably bound up in the coming upheaval that will decide the fate of Outremer.