BOOK #1
At the hall of a Scottish chief deep in the western Highlands, a bard sings and plays on his harp, spinning tales to the gathered company. Amid the leaping torches and flickering candles, there is magic encircling the chamber this night. The first of his stories tells of a warrior's wounded heart. Ardahl MacCormac is poised to become foremost among his tribe's warriors until the day his best friend winds up dead at his hands on the practice field. Though he cannot say how the deed occurred, he must accept the punishment handed down by the druids, to make reparation by assuming Conall's place within his family. His growing attraction to Conall's sister can change nothing, for between them only duty may exist. Liadan has long followed Ardahl with admiring eyes and cannot believe he would take her brother's life. That he has now in essence become her brother is a truth her heart refuses to accept. Mired in battles, betrayal, and distrust, it seems their whole world conspires to keep them apart.
