"Severin of Langthorne returns to his family's estate in England from the Holy Land in 1277 to find his father and elder brother dead, his mother demented, the lands devastated. He is the new Baron Louges, but his title is empty and he knows it. What is he to do?" "Hastings of Trent is the heiress of Oxborough. Her dying father, Fawke of Trent, Earl of Oxborough, selects Severin to wed his daughter and assume his title, properties, and possessions. It is Severin's duty to protect his holdings, stay on King Edward's good side, and breed children, thus bringing strong new blood to the line to keep Oxborough powerful." "And so it comes about that two strangers are joined in marriage. Severin is a warrior, strong and vigorous. Hastings is a healer, independent and loyal. He believes she should be malleable and obedient; she believes he should be less cold-blooded, less merciless. He inspires fear. But then again, how can Hastings fear a man whose pet marten appears over the top of his tunic and waves a paw at her?"--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved