It is the waning days of the ninth century. The vast dominion won by the great Emperor Charlemagne has been torn apart by his heirs and successors. In Paris, once the heart of that realm, the Emperor's irresolute grandson, Charles the Bald, battles desperately to preserve his kingdom from the ravages of Viking raiders. If the city falls, its people will perish, and alongside with them the precious remnants of a culture and learning rescued from the ashes of Rome.
Into this crucible of history rides a young warrior called Roderick, with the face of an angel and the heart of a lion. Fearless in battle, devout in faith, Roderickβs miraculous victories rally the people to defend their imperiled realm. But a long-hidden secret may prove the young knightβs undoingβfor the one known as Roderick is in truth a maiden princess named Ragny, who has taken up the sword to avenge the death of her mother and reclaim her rightful crown.
The only daughter of Queen Ingunn, the last rightful ruler of Spain, and her war chief, Markold, Ragny grew up a wild and headstrong child, more interested in hunting and sport than in home and hearth. Then, when Ragny was nearly woman-grown, Markold attacked the Queen and plotted to take his own daughter as his wife. With her dying breath, Ingunn cursed her husband, and called upon the powers of heaven to protect her daughter and keep her from harm.
Fearing for her life, Ragny fled into exile, accompanied only by her faithful counselor, Seffrid. To escape Markoldβs forces, she took the guise of a young warrior, taking the name of Roderick in honor of her most illustrious ancestor.
Now, her secret discovered, Ragny must acknowledge her unspoken passion for Leovild, the bold commander who has captured her heart, fight to retain the loyalty of those she has led against the Norse invaders, and call upon her motherβs spirit to guide her to victory.