THE CALEDONIAN, warrior son of KING BRUDE, knows nothing of epic power struggles or political deception. VENUTIUS, the Brigantes King, arrives in the Caledonian settlement of BRUDE with a proposal. QUEEN SIBH, in the south, seeks an alliance with the Caledonian King to destroy the Roman invaders. THE CALEDONIAN is ordered, by his father, to ride south to meet the Queen and determine her loyalty. But treachery amongst his own blood may be his downfall.