Ireland, the Dark Ages. In the sacred city of Armag, the supreme druid Catbad rules. Ingel the One-Eyed, the illegitimate son of King Conaire, ruler of the kingdom of Ergyal, dreams of overthrowing his father and seizing power. Conspirators attack Ergyal and sack its sacred capital, Tara. Fleeing the villains, Deirdre—daughter of Catbad and the king’s concubine, Conaire’s—leaves Tara and returns to Armag. Catbad watches over his daughter closely, for according to prophecy, it is she who will bear a baby who will later become king and unite scattered island possessions. Only then will the tormented land of Ireland find peace and enter an era of prosperity.