Baron Rudel of Bahmren has recieved word from Centerlands of the crimes of a nobleman. The land the Baron rules was the scene of one of those wicked crimes. His son Ebel doesn't think the matter is worthy of note.

His daughter Eufemia thinks that justice should be done, even if it's not likely the nobleman will ever return to Bahmren before he dies in jail somewhere else. But Edel is the heir, and he talks their father into weak actions.

Others in Bahmren are upset with the news. Eufemia works to find allies at home and elsewhere so that she might make the people of Bahmren happy, as well as obtain justice for those hurt by the nobleman's crimes.