Curiosity and disobedience are two of Owain's constant companions. Forbidden by his father, Enniaun, to accompany a Votadini warband's sortie against the Picts, Owain is abducted by the raiders. As a prized hostage, he begins an education and a life-time friendship with Edern, a young Pict, when both are tutored by the wise and mysterious seer, Lailoken.
Owain's path takes him to the seat of the High King of Romano-Britain. His military skills are enhanced by a visit to Ambrosius Aurelianus, beyond British shores, and when he finally returns, threats are posed by the Picts in the far north and the newly settled Sais to the south and east. Additional to these dangers, he must also face internal strife among the Romano-British factions. In the glamoury of the northern wild woods he meets his second tutor and, against the backdrop of Britain's complexity, his actions birth the mythology of 'Arthur.'