A GREAT LOSSErin Hart is devastated when she loses her fiance and parents on her wedding day. To get her parents back, she must choose between bowing to the demands of the neighboring Mortons or gathering what allies she can and fighting to free herself from their clutches.A POWERFUL FOEThe Mortons hold Erin's parents hostage and won't brook any refusal to comply with their wishes. Ardent Morton has demanded Erin's hand in marriage, and with it, the control of Erin's home, Norcliff.A LOOMING THREATErin must travel to the capital to seek help from King Ulrich and the nobles at court, but with bandits harrying Arndale from the north, what aid can Erin hope to receive?