Her Most Grievous Sin

The devout village of Whitscar lives under the iron fist of the Chapel. Minister, a man who rules their bodies as well as their souls, expects the members of his congregation to seek purity above all things. Verity Grail, though betrothed to Minister's only son, is also the niece of the village's most notorious sinner, a woman who died in her shame with a babe out of wedlock.

After a bad harvest, Minister seeks to find the member of his flock who has cursed Whitscar with their sin. The signs are simple, homes with illness or untamed women are usually to blame. After her sister comes down with a fever, Verity's mother sends her in the dead of night beyond the walls to seek a medicinal herb in order to avoid the eye of the Chapel.

While roaming among the ancient tombs beyond the black trees of Kirksor Wood, Verity meets one of the five Immortal Princes of the far off Fire Hill, a volcanic kingdom of inhuman blacksmiths and warriors. Sigtrygg, the second born son of the infamous demigod King Assur, takes pity on her and offers her a choice visit his father's secret kingdom high in the mountains.

Verity is faced with the choice to stand by her family and return to a life of fearful duty or imagine a greater destiny for herself beyond Whitscar.