Simon Maldon is sent by Queen Elizabeth to form an honest assessment of the her cousin Mary, the Queen of Scot. With Simon gone, his son Henry, wife Hannah, and old friend Calkin must delve into the murder of Simon's brother-in-law, Will Clark. Determined to hide his crimes, the killer is willing—even eager—to murder again.

Simon faces his own trials when outlaws capture his party. In order to thwart their leader's grandiose schemes, Simon must escape and make his way to Edinburgh. Will the rough men of the Marches help, or will they leave the Englishman to make his way as best he can?