Dire deeds during a winter storm leave Brother Oswin beaten near to death, Sister Hilaria dead, and a pair of young siblings lost in the woods fleeing Lord Stephen's men.
An elitist cleric is murdered, and Cadfael delves into the Ashby family dynamics to discern why its troublesome younger son joins the order then claims to own the deed.
Cadfael and a deputation of monks from Shrewsbury are dispatched to Wales to recover the remains of martyred St. Winifred over the objections of the local lord and residents.
