1141 AD: King Stephen is warring with his cousin Empress Matilda over the throne of England. Every cathedral, every castle, every seat of power will swear fealty to one or the other – but not every stronghold is as strategic or as valuable as Kenniford Castle in Oxfordshire. Its mistress, 16 year old Maud of Kenniford swears fealty to Stephen, but Matilda’s forces have decreed that she marry the odious John of Tewing.

Life in the Fenlands carries on as usual - that is until the mercenaries ride through the marsh. And a small red-haired girl named Em is snatched and carried off. After the soldiers have finished with her they leave her for dead. But fenland girls are not easy to kill. Although she has lost all memory of her past life including her name, Em survives and falls under the protection of Gwyl, a Breton archer. Together Gwyl and his new protege—now crop-headed and disguised as a boy—travel through the countryside giving archery exhibitions. But there is one man who hasn't forgotten the little red-haired girl. He has some unfinished business with her and he is determined to finish it.

And one freezing winter in an Oxfordshire castle completely besieged, he might well get his chance...