Chapters 1 through 4 Summary

Aislinn's family is attacked by the Normans under the leadership of Ragnor de Marte. The story opens with Aislinn fighting the fact that she has a rope tied about her neck with the other end held by Ragnor. Her mother, Maida, is being forced to serve the conquerors as are two of the family servants. One of those, Hlynn, is soon the subject of an argument and is hauled off upstairs by the winner. Aislinn, powerless, watches the young girl go knowing it is doubtful she will survive the night. Meanwhile, Maida is beaten unconscious and Aislinn, though angry, can do nothing. She thinks back to the events that put her in this position - Ragnor and his men arriving at Darkenwald, the herald reading a list of incredible demands to Aislinn's father, including that the family of the manor be...