In a dangerous world it helps to know the face of your enemy. Briarly castle has been sacked by unknown forces, its defenders slaughtered. Now it is up to its new lord, Bryant Beringar, to refortify its walls and protect its people. No small task when the nameless enemies outside the walls may not be as dangerous as the madwoman within them. Duty demands sacrifice, and sacrifice he will to build a new life in a new home. But first he must survive long enough to discover what lies beyond all sorrow.