BOOK 4 OF 5We rejoin M rag and her companions in their flight from the Bannockburn battlefield. Her people are scattered and wounded. Many have been imprisoned and many more have been put to death and she - along with the surviving members of her group - are headed deep into the highlands of Alba under the blanketing safety of Alba's artificial winter.M rag, still wounded from the border breach and exhausted by the use of Rhona's blood-charm is struggling to retain control - worsened still by the capture of her Berserker Guard.The Mackenzie clan play host to the Bhanrigh in their highland stronghold of Eilean Donnain, where for the time being, they reside in relative safety. But that safety can only last so long... The highland clans continue raiding and bickering amongst themselves, and Edward's ever oppressive forces resident in Sruighlea pose a constant threat.M rag can only hope that she will regain enough strength to be able to unite the opposing clans of the highlands under one banner if she is to have any chance of success against her father.