Two centuries after the building of the elaborate Gothic cathedral in Kingsbridge, its prior finds himself at the center of a web of ambition and revenge that places the city at a crossroad of commerce, medicine, and architecture.

In 14th Century London, Sir John Cranston, the lord coroner, and his assistant, Brother Athelstan, investigate a series of murders. All the victims have connections to a soldier they robbed and left to die 15 years earlier.

In 1347, when fourteen-year-old orphan William Paynel, an impoverished servant at Crowfield Abbey, goes into the forest to gather wood and finds a magical creature caught in a trap, he discovers he has the ability to see fays and becomes embroiled in a strange mystery involving Old Magic, a bitter feud, and ancient secrets.

A man nobody likes is found hung from a tree, and all but Master Hugh assume he has taken his own life. When he discovers that the corrupt priest John Kellet had been covertly in Bampton at the time of the death, he thinks he's found his man. But when he catches up with Kellet at Exeter, he finds that the priest is a shadow of his former self, and is mourning the folly of his past life.

Master Hugh, Kate and their children attend the Midsummer's Eve fire. Early next morning, Hugh hears the passing bell ring from the Church of St. Beornwald, and moments later is summoned. Tenants collecting the ashes to spread upon their fields have found burned bones. Master Hugh learns of several men of Bampton and nearby villages who have gone missing recently. Most are soon found, some alive, some dead. Master Hugh eventually learns that the bones...

In March of 1348, the awakening of an ancient evil drives fay creatures from the woods, causes Crowfield Abbey to crumble, and haunts the dreams of the monks, but the demon seems especially drawn to Will, who is beginning to realize the significance of his Sight.

Guest, returning home after a late night, sees a body hurtling from the uppermost reaches of the London Bridge. While whispers in the street claim that it was a suicide, Guest is unconvinced. The man was believed to be searching for the Spear of Longinus-- the spear that pierced the side of Christ on the cross-- which is believed to make those who possess it invincible. Geoffrey Chaucer comes to London and is anxious to help Guest find the missing...