The population of Gwynedd includes both humans and Deryni, a race of people with inherent psychic and magical abilities who have persecuted and suppressed for almost two centuries.

The novel begins as members of the Camberian Council congratulate Lord Sief MacAthan on the birth of his son, Krispin.

When Sief angrily attacks the king with his powers, Donal is forced to kill the Deryni lord with his own arcane abilities.

In August of the following year, Jessamy welcomes Alyce and Marie de Corwyn, the daughters of Earl Keryell of Lendour to the royal court.

Alyce and Marie return to Rhemuth to tend to their injured brother, and the three siblings escort their father's body back to Cynfyn shortly thereafter.

In April 1089, Ahern accompanies Donal when the king mounts a military campaign to put down a growing rebellion in Meara.

Donal commands Alyce to probe the dead boy's mind, and she succeeds in identifying the murderers, one of whom is a priest and the brother of a bishop.

Donal decides to once again attempt to father a Deryni protector for his sons, and convinces Jessamy to assist him after he chooses Alyce as his next target.

Donal keeps Kenneth away from Rhemuth for much of the summer and autumn, but Jessamy's death in November creates an additional delay in the king's plan.