Candace Robb

York, 1369. As pestilence rages through the city of York, strange things are afoot at St. Leonard's Hospital. Corrodians are dying in mysterious circumstances and riches belonging to the hospital have been stolen.

York, 1367. Owen Archer and his old comrade, Ned Townley, are each leading companies of the king's men north of York to Fountains and Rievaulx abbeys respectively, on a mission to win the support of the powerful abbots for William of Wykeham becoming the Bishop of Winchester.

Wales, 1369. Owen Archer is travelling to Wales on a mission for the Duke of Lancaster, recruiting archers in anticipation of King Charles of France's invasion of England.

York, 1371. William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, has made many enemies since York knight Sir Ranulf Pagnell died imprisoned in France while Wykeham negotiated his ransom. After escorting Sir Ranulf's body back to the city, Wykeham realises that his own life is in grave danger.

Does absence always make the heart grow fonder? An unexpected death and a chilling murder extend Owen Archer's stay in Wales, with dramatic consequences for both himself and his wife, Lucie. Wales, 1370. Owen has completed his latest mission for the Duke of Lancaster, but his plan to return home...