Deirdre of Rivenloch is the eldest daughter of an ailing Scottish lord. The Borders in 1135 is a dangerous place to be and Deirdre was raised to be the son her father never had. She, along with her middle sister, Helena, is an accomplished swordswoman, capable of defending her father's estate, as well as the honour of her youngest sister, Muriel. But the Scots king, realising the importance of their position along the Borders, assigns their lands' protection to his best commander, Sir Pagan Cameliard, and declares that Pagan can take his pick of the Rivenloch sisters for his bride. Deirdre is outraged by the king's proclamation and to save her sisters from marrying a stranger she tricks him into choosing her. Pagan finds Deirdre's ability to stand up to him intriguing and soon the two form a sort of truce. When the English attempt to conquer their lands they disagree on how best to protect the castle. When the English manage to wound and capture Pagan, Deirdre is torn between defending her homeland or rescuing the man she loves.