Ireland 1565. 'Old English' Thomas Butler, Earl of Ormond, affectionately known as "Black Tom" due to his swarthy looks, is waiting for his Queen, Elizabeth. She is his cousin on Ann Boleyn's side and in spite of her reputation as the Virgin Queen Elizabeth was rumoured to be the mother of one of Tom's twelve illegitimate children. And she has promised to visit Ireland. Elizabeth's reign sees an escalation of violence in Ireland. Plantations are being established. Not only are the English settlers rapacious in their desire for land, but Irish lords are fighting amongst themselves to extend...