<p><b>The Scotland-England Border, 1590s.</b></p><p>James IV waits impatiently to unite the nations. At the border, English raiders are hunted down, Scots dynasties vie for power and blood feuds are settled by the sword. </p><p>Adam Fleming has fallen for Helen of Annandale, and, in turn, fallen foul of his rival, Rob Bell: a man as violent as he is ambitious. Now he faces a battle for her hand, and for his life. </p><p>His friend Langton is entrusted as guard to the lovers'' secret trysts. But Langton has another master to serve - one who would use lovers as pawns in his own play for power. </p>