Robert FitzStephen is a warrior down on his luck. Arrogant, cold, but a brilliant soldier, FitzStephen commands a castle despite his checkered lineage. When a Welsh rebellion brings defeat and a crippling siege, FitzStephen's highborn comrades scorn him, betraying him to the enemy. A hostage of his cousin, Prince Rhys, FitzStephen is disgraced and seemingly doomed to a life of obscurity and shame. Then King Diarmait arrives, the ambitious overlord of an Irish kingdom. Forced to flee by the High King of Ireland, he seeks to reclaim his lands by any means possible, including inviting the Normans. With nothing left to lose, FitzStephen agrees to lead the Irishman's armies and drive Diarmait's enemies from his kingdom. His price? Acceptance...or perhaps a kingdom of his own?