When mercenaries came from the North and Olga’s land was captured by them, she herself was captured and became a slave. She and her people suffered from the inhuman cruelty of the invaders, and even her gift and skills as a healer could not help them. But one of the barbarians, large and fair-haired, seemed different from the rest. He did not harm or participate in the abuse of the new slaves, and realizing that Olga was a healer who could speak some of their language, he freed her for his own needs. The raiders who took possession of the lands where Olga lived hoped to make this place their home , and she and the other survivors had to create a new society together with the invaders. The barbarians who destroyed her world and made her a slave gradually became friends, equals. The friendship with the one who made her free was especially strong. Leif is a leader and a great warrior, a participant in many campaigns. As one of the first of his people in a world they hoped to make their own, he tries to forge strong, intimate relationships with those who have become their friends, with their enemies, and with the people they have enslaved. He especially wants to befriend the dark-haired healer, whose the slender body contains the spirit of a great warrior. Leif is deeply devoted to his earl, like a son is devoted to his father. And when the earl arrives in his new possessions to enjoy the victory, he simply cannot believe that the man he loved as a father, and his sons, whom he considered brothers, is capable of causing harm and becoming a traitor. But he soon realizes how terribly wrong he was. Torn between the man he swore allegiance to long ago and the friends for whom his heart beats, Leif makes a devastating choice. He is trying to save those he loves. At any cost. Even at the cost of their trust and love. The consequences of his choice are terrible. So terrible that they may be unforgivable. But where there is no forgiveness, there is no healing.