This is the story of Young Elspeth (daughter of Balfour and Maldie) - who unwittingly saves the life of young Cormac, only to find herself bound to him -- while he is yet bound to another. This is not the strongest male character we've seen from Ms. Howell, but he does have his redeeming qualities, and Elspeth's wit and energy tend to make up for the lack. Overall, a good read.