Loving the Norseman was dangerous. Losing him would destroy her. (836 A.D.), Lothar is the first son of a chieftain who wears golden manacles that proclaim his right as heir to his father's position. Prior to leaving his homeland, he is told by two shaman sisters that he is fated to meet his heart's desire in a new land. On the return journey from one of his father's trading routes in late autumn, he is attacked by one of his own men and his ship is wrecked during a storm. The man is loyal to Lothar's brother, Ulin, who plans to take the right to rule from Lothar and revert to raiding other lands when their father dies. He is rescued by the beautiful Dara, the disgraced illegitimate daughter of the king. Dara is a priestess who was ordained when Goddess Danu placed mystical bracelets on her wrists. She visits the Stone Circle to ask for guidance from the Goddess, and for seasonal celebrations. She wants to be accepted by her father and community. Dara's over-whelming desire to heal, regardless of the circumstances and consequences has made her an outsider. As a result, she lives alone in the haunted forest, leaving the villagers to believe she practices evil arts. Dara also does not trust men after a humiliating experience with a man who fooled her into thinking he cared. She discovers a stranger on the beach near death, and dares to take him home. After recovering, Lothar has to choose between returning to his homeland, or staying to win the love of the willful Priestess, find proof of her innocence, and gain her freedom before the villager burn her as an evil witch who killed a child. Can they overcome their obstacles to unite their two worlds? * Pitted against impossible circumstances the Norseman and the Priestess do find their Happily-Ever-After in this ancient world romance. Although their Viking adventure continues in Book 2, this is a stand-alone book, (no cliffhangers.)