Patricia Kennealy-Morrison recounts a time when the worlds the Kelts have settled out among the stars are plagued by the Incomers - the Firvolgi, an ancient, alien race who, seeing that Keltia has no ruler just now to drive them out, have moved in and plan to stay. Yet along with a problem, the gods very often send the solution; and Athyn Cahanagh, born orphaned on a battlefield, will be that and more to her people. Rising from humble origins to become High Queen by acclamation, called Blackmantle by foe and friend alike, Athyn crosses paths with the great and gifted bard Morric Douglas, falling in love with him on first sight, and he with her. But Morric's onetime companion, the lovely, dissolute Firvolgian courtesan Amzalsunea, vows that she would sooner see Morric dead than wed to her rival. And when Athyn becomes Queen, with Morric by her side, Amzalsunea proves as good, or as evil, as her word. So Athyn, for love of Morric, goes where no mortal has ever dared to go, taking the fabled Low Road that only those mighty in magic may tread, to find her lost lord and bring him home again.