Izzy de Montbryce is given the responsibility of being the new master of Castle Giroux. Even though he suffers terribly from an illness that all but cripples his body, he is looking forward to the responsibility of being in charge and is full of ideas for the necessary changes.
Farah accompanies her protector Georges Giroux on a long journey to his childhood home in Normandy, Castle Giroux, where he wishes to die and be buried. Because Georges had freed Farah's mother from a Harem in Jerusalem, and enabled her and her daughter to be free from the persecution of the other slaves until her death, Farah has agreed to take care of him. Along with a multitude of other goods, Farah has secreted a shamshir - a patterned blade, an instrument of death - a special keepsake from her past. Another reminder from days gone by is one she keeps hidden behind a veil. As a bastard child of a dead king, she has no home and all she has to keep her from starvation is Georges and her incredible ability to dance. Already experiencing cravings for this woman that's wrecking Izzy's concentration completely, the thought of her dancing is unbearable and knowing she would be living in the same castle excruciating but the decision is made. He must learn to cope.