Elfgift, the elf's bastard, is now king.
But the throne is not secure.
The Lady, his Goddess, has abandoned him.
His legitimate half-brother Unwin, who hates him, has raised an army against him.
A truce is struck, to keep the sacred peace of Jul, the Night of the Returning Dead -- and also the feast of Christ's Mass.
Unwin, despite his Christian piety, breaks the truce with brutal treachery.
The sacred night ends with Elfgift butchered.
But Gods are watching.
There will be revenge for Elfgift.