Summary

Chapter 1, “The Duke of Kiskaddon,” opens with Lady Eleanor waiting for the return of her husband, Lord Kissaddon, who is away fighting a battle. She lives at Tatton Hall, in the country of Westmarch in the kingdom of Ceredigion. King Severn Argentine is the ruler of Ceredigion. Her youngest son is Owen. He is eight, highly intelligent, and is gentle. Owen was stillborn, and the midwife said there was nothing to be done. As Eleanor and her husband held the baby, he came to life. Eleanor believes it is because of The Fountain. The midwife was skeptical that Owen would live, but he did.

Eleanor is brought out of her memories by her daughter's announcement that Lord Kiskaddon is returning and that Lord Horwarth is with him. Lord Stiev Horwath rules the North. The two lords are equal in rank, and Eleanor is...