England's great Queen Elizabeth is finally dying. After years of patient waiting, King James of Scotland is hungry for news that will deliver him a united kingdom. But between the realms of England and Scotland lies an old treachery threatening his ambition. Heughan Corwin, Border Reiver, forged by blood and the sword, seeks revenge.

The Lord Warden of the Borders guards England's gateway with one eye on the future and the other on Heughan. In Carlisle Castle, Lady Melisande broods over her Tarot cards as demons from the past close in. When battles cannot be fought with steel alone, Heughan finds himself drawn into her tainted intrigue.

In an age of discovery where sorcery and science are equally believable, ruthless men will use both to secure the throne. King James commands it and he always gets what he wants, one way or another.