In medieval Europe, a young maiden, Verity, suffers the manipulation of a power-hungry Duchess. Determined to improve her daughter Violet's status, the Duchess incessantly belittles and insults Verity, wearing away her self-esteem. One by one, the Duchess removes those who provide protection, but she is unaware of Rothko, Verity's black-feathered guardian who sees everything. Not unique to present day society, the abuse of young people spans the centuries, and, as Verity discovers, the values of integrity, loyalty and supportive communities can make all the difference.