Damned by leprosy, Richard FitzEustace must leave his home and family forever. Condemned to shun the company of others he seeks a place of solitude where he can find forgiveness for sins committed in the Holy Land. One more family obligation remains: a secret promise to his grandmother that he will seek out her kinsman, Sir Robert de Lacy, and press her claim to his estate. Meanwhile, headstrong young Johanna FitzEustace, is distraught. With Richard gone he other brother, ruthless and ambitious Roger, becomes head of the family. A marriage is contrived for her to a wealthy old landowner, and without Richard's protection there seems little she can do about it - unless she can escape and find him wherever he may be.