Ann Mayall, blacksmith of Anford, and her sister Glory have survived and prospered since the evil sect which nearly cost them their lives have been removed from the adjoining land. The forge is beginning to thrive and Ann's reputation is bringing her an enjoyable diversity of orders. She has formed a deep emotional attachment with Arno and views the future with contentment. Then her lover leaves her and in rudderless despair she agrees to a passionless marriage, and a disasterous partnership which she only belatedly realises puts her at risk of losing the forge.

Faced with bankruptcy, still shell-shocked by Arno's departure, she begins to fight for her survival against odds which seem insurmountable. A extraordinarily gripping story of human deception and desperation, where good and bad luck play equal parts.