After the death of Red Jacob, a new Laird of Clan MacKenzie must be chosen, and both of his sons -- Colum and Dougal -- vie for the title. At the Gathering, Brian Fraser and Ellen MacKenzie meet and are struck by their strong connection.
While Henry fights in World War I and Julia works in the censorship office in London, their love story unfolds through the letters they write to each other.
Ellen and Brian go to Beltane, a summer festival where sins burn in the needfire. Henry clings to hope while Julia's allies turn away as secrets emerge.