Fifteenth century Scotland has its share of intrigue and adventure. Varlen MacRae, his brother, and two friends are swords for hire. They have the unfortunate duty of escorting a young lady to her final resting place just to have the lass scrape her way out of her coffin.Mariel's previously betrothed has greed on his mind, and a mistress in his bed, but still believes that as second born son, he deserves to wed the lovely maiden; she is, after all, the sole heir to her father's estate.Mariel Cormac is just ready to get on with her life as a free young woman, no longer betrothed to a man she does not want. Her former betrothed, his mistress, and her uncle have other plans for her.