While looking for a missing queen, it's good to have a sharp sword, fast horse and a hateful spirit. Everyone in the world anticipates Abi's hanging, spitting, flaming and things far worse. After all, she has murdered the King's brother. It is in the midst of this trouble that the Goddess whispers the absurdity, "Compassion is best," and even stranger words: "Listen to others," even if they are only a maid, a landless lady in waiting and a hungry wolf. These utterances leave Abi dizzy, moments after learning the Baron holds her mother in the deepest and most foul pit. No, heads are meant to fall. People are supposed to die. This includes every man, woman, child and fatted calf, should they be ignorant enough to stand in her path. And somehow, in spite of all the bother, taking her in the opposite direction from the leanings of her heart, Abi is searching for a queen.