Aed starts a new friendship with Rowena. And that makes her think that she might be able to lead a normal life. She teaches Rowena magic. They decide to confront Padraig about his part in Aitheda's death.
Padraig sets his Dark Magic familiars on them and initiates a new and dangerous challenge. Once more, Aed's wanderings weave a complicated and terrible path peppered with betrayal and trickery.
Nevertheless, there is some hope and romance in this exciting culmination of her journey.