In the midst of the strife of 13th-century England, Astra de Mortain frolics in a woodland pool outside the nunnery at Stafford. Immersed in a carefree moment, she is unaware of the stranger who is watching her. He is Richard Reivers, a celebrated knight in the service of King Henry III. It is he who will save Astra's honor and her life--and become her destiny.