Bronwyn is a Harper agent, a finder of rare antiquities and lost treasures. The most elusive treasure, however, proves to be the secret of her past. Her search for her family and leads her to Thornhold, a mountain fortress held by the paladin order known as the Knights of Samular. Bronwyn is swept into a power struggle between the paladin order, the Harpers, and Dag Zoreth, an evil cleric allied with the Zhentarim. She finds a partner in the adventurous dwarf Ebenezer Stoneshaft, and an ally in Danilo Thann, an old friend and fellow Harper. Danilo must chose between aiding Bronwyn and obeying his mentor Khelben Arunsun.

First published as book sixteen of the Harpers series, it was later republished as book four of the Songs and Swords series.