Life on the islet of Rushen is proving a trial for Torleif. He is oppressed by his father's lust for power, and the people of Man resent Harald's influence over his son. They demand their rights, as they have done so many times before throughout history, and this time it is Torleif's uncle, Ivar, who must step into the breach when the Manx rebel. Will he oppose his brother and nephew and strip them of power, taking the throne for himself?
Fenella, meanwhile, continues to fight desperately to win the birthrightfor her sons. Luckily, her knowledge of herbs and healing is unequalled. She does her best to influence Torleif to acknowledge her sons, but will her strategy succeed before he gets Magnhild with child?
Alexander, King of Scots, has not forgotten his plans to seized power over the Sudreys. At last he manages to persuade the King of Norway, Magnus Haakonsson, to sell him the kingdom for a pittance, but will this prove acceptable to the Norwegian settlers and the Manx, or will it lead to conflict?
The Norse, the Scots and English all have claims to the throne of Man, and this turbulent time sees the birth of Hallstein, son of Torleif, son of Harald, King of the Sudreys.
