The young, beautiful Galena and her husband, the much older Ambrose are trying for a child but to no avail. When Josse d"Acquin tells her of the healing waters of Hawkenlye, she is overjoyed and sets off with her escort. But she arrives alone, and a few days after her husband joins her she dies in agony on the infirmary floor. On examination it appears she was poisoned and that she was pregnant after all. Josse and Helewise are determined to solve the riddle of her death—even if it leads them into danger as well.