In 14th century England, Alys de Renneville sits alone in the loft of her manor house mourning her father and brother who are thought to have been killed in battle in Scotland. Late one evening, a strange knight appears and tells Alys that her father and brother are alive and being held for ransom by the Scots. But when no one believes her story, she sets off secretly to rescue them herself. Travelling on horseback across the lush countryside and dense cities of Medieval England, Alys is accompanied only by her friend and servant, Hugh. Alys and Hugh show great courage and determination on their difficult journey, but they encounter so much hardship and delay along the way that we have to wonder: will they ever be able to reach Scotland and save Alys's father and brother?