In a 15th-century England scarred by civil war, Hawk Jankin tries to take possession of a castle he believes is rightfully his. He offers to marry Anna, the daughter of the castle's owner to claim her inheritance. Desperate to protect the local villagers from his raids, Anna agrees. But Jankin's ambitions are thwarted by Thomasin, Anna's enterprising maid. In his desire for revenge he sacks the castle, making an appalling discovery in the burning...