At the end of The Hawk and the Dove Father Peregrine is horribly injured in an attack originating from his previous life as a nobleman, before his calling to the monastic way.

Now, badly crippled, he finds himself humbled to request assistance of his fellow monks in the simplest task. Nevertheless the old indomitable spirit burns brightly. When he is asked to contribute to a conference on justice he finds himself ranged against the formidable Prior William.

The intrigues of monastic life can test the strongest: and Peregrine is no longer strong.