After the campaign against the Norse, Melcorka the Swordswoman is unsettled.<br /><br />She wishes revenge on Egil the Norseman, yet knows that Defender - her magic sword - cannot kill without cause.<br /><br />After a visit to the seer Fitheach, Melcorka receives a dire warning. They head toward the Western Isles in search of knowledge, facing many dangers on their path.<br /><br />With the help of pirate leader Osprey and Hector, leader of the Ulvust, they forge on toward the Standing Stones of Callanish to face the most fearsome foe of all: The Shining One.<br /><br />This a standalone novel, and can be enjoyed even if you haven&#39;t read other books in the series.