In 1141 England is still torn by the civil strife caused by the struggle for the throne between King Stephen and the Empress Maud. Among the victims of the carnage is the Abbey of Hyde Meade, totally destroyed. Its brothers are scattered far and wide. Two seek refuge in Shrewsbury: Brother Humilis, who has abandoned his intended marriage and entered the cloister after crippling injuries received on Crusade; and the mute Brother Fidelis, his devoted attendant. All is well until Nicholas, once Humilis' squire, resolves to pay court on his own account to the girl who was his lord's affianced bride, and comes to ask his blessing on the suit. Then a latent tragedy becomes a present reality, and only the ever-indefatigable Brother Cadfael suspects that something deeper than their common vows binds the two brothers. As Brother Humilis's health fails, Brother Cadfael can distinguish between the innocent, the guilty -- and the victims foredoomed by the demands of honor, love, and Fate.