This fast moving historical novel, from the author of ‘December Bride’ tells the story of Neil Gilchrist, a failed law student and son of feckless Scots laird, who sets off for London in 1608 to try his luck at the court of James I. A chance encounter on the road changes his path and his fortunes. With a peasant family, the MacIlveens, who are fleeing persecution in Scotland, he sails from Portpatrick to Donaghadee. Together they travel to Ravara, the estate of Kenneth Echlin, one of the early ‘undertakers’ to settle in Co. Down. The MacIlveens are rented a holding once mercilessly raided by the dispossessed native Irish and still under threat. Neil is given employment as ‘arborist’ to chart the rich woodlands of Ravara.
As the MacIlveens till and sow and reap and intermarry with their neighbours, Neil plays an active role in this isolated community. In the schoolhouse, before the elders of the kirk, he defends the old crone Rushin Coatie against a charge of witchcraft. Rapier in hand he faces the villainous Lachie Dubh for the last time. He rides the forest glades with Anne Echlin and falls in love with her. But for Lady Echlin a penniless second son is no match for her daughter. Neil Gilchrist is shown the road from Ravara that leads back again to the narrow sea …