It is a fictional story about Saint Rumon and Merewyn, set against a broad historical background of Anglo-Saxon England and the Viking expansion to Iceland and Greenland.

It follows their journey and acceptance into the English royal court, Merewyn's kidnapping by Vikings, Rumon's epic search for her and their ultimate reunion back in England.

[2] The story begins in the year 972, when Romieux de Provence, a young nobleman descended from Charlemagne and King Alfred, leaves his native Kingdom of Burgundy for England and the royal court of Edgar I.

After being shipwrecked on the coast of Cornwall, Rumon encounters Merewyn, a teenage girl who claims to be a descendant of King Arthur.

A few years later, Rumon starts an illicit affair with Queen Alfrida, who is living in Corfe Castle after her husband's death.

Rumon then witnesses Queen Alfrith's treachery and deception, which leads to the murder of the young King Edward in 978.

Merewyn is also encouraged to enter a religious life by her aunt Merwinna, and her friend Elfled, who is staying with her at Romsey Abbey.

There, Rumon encounters a Merrimack tribe who have been converted to Christianity by a group of Irish Culdee Monks.

The family attempt to make a living in the harsh climate of the new colony, and Merewyn gives birth to a mentally disabled daughter called Thora.

Elfled takes in Thora, while Merewyn marries and settles with Wulfric, a wealthy thane of King Æthelred.

After gaining back her social status in the English nobility, finally Merewyn is summoned to Tavistock Abbey, where she reconciles with Rumon before he dies.