On her way to a baptism, Sister Frevisse finds blood is thicker than water... and as easily spilled. Waylaid by a band of outlaws, she learns that their leader is her long-lost cousin Nicholas. He asks Frevisse's help to get him pardoned for his crimes. But while Frevisse is lodging at the home of Nicholas's business companion, someone commits an unpardonable act: murder.

Now Frevisse must discover who robbed a rich landowner of his purse and his life - even if it means her own kin is condemned...