The Roman Empire is collapsing, and the legions are returning to their homeland. Villagers from the crowded east of Europe seize the opportunity of moving into the vacuum left by the departing forces. This story is about one group of these easterners as they set up their new home in the new lands. It follows the history of the village and its castle and the new trades that have to be mastered; it describes the good and bad people of the village through the centuries, the barons and the workers. It also tells about the beliefs of the villagers and of the people in the neighbouring places, and about the superstitions, ghosts and spirits that surrounded them. And it also tells about a young English - or is she Scottish? - girl who is surprised to find herself entangled in the life of the village, What is it, anyway, that decides whether you are English or Scottish?