It is little more than two years since the Norman victory at Hastings- a time of discontent, with the kingdom under occupation and still coming to terms with its foreign lords. The conquerors live an uncertain, watchful existence in a hostile country, dependent on force of arms, yet motivated by what they see as their right to possess England. But in the north, rebellion is stirring, while from across the sea come rumours of an impending Danish invasion. Against this backdrop, Tancred a Dinant, a young, ambitious Breton knight, finds himself fighting for his life and his honour against terrible odds. The death of his liege lord, Robert, finds him sworn, against his will, to a secret mission, which will take him into undreamt of danger and the heart of a conspiracy to overturn the very cause for which he has been fighting.