It is the year 1145 and the two cousins battling for the throne must look for new ways of settling disputes, so a council is planned for a meeting between them and their warring factions Brother Cadfael asks leave of Abbot Radulfus to attend this conference, as he seeks news of Olivier de Bretagne, his son and it is hoped that some agreement may be reached for the release of prisoners He learns nothing about Olivier, but discovers that the prospect of peace is not universally welcome In the heated debate, passions can easily spill over into violence and murder, but it is Olivier he seeks and must find