Since the beginning of recorded history, few people have fought longer and harder for their freedom and independence than the inhabitants of the diminutive nation of Scotland. From their earliest history they fought; Scots against the Picts; Scots against the Romans; and Scots against the English. Though outnumbered ten to one, for three centuries they fought with the English enduring many massacres, including King Edward I's annihilation, in 1296 A.D., of 8,000 men, women and children in the town of Berwick, held by Scotland at the time. By the start of the sixteenth century, there was a clear line between the two countries, a line that was repeatedly crossed by raiders (reivers) on both sides and many a skirmish escalated to a bloody battle. This relentless fighting continued until King James VI of Scotland was crowned King James I of England in 1603. Scottish resistance to the numerically superior English was sustained by powerful families in the Borders, such as the Scotts, the Kerrs, and especially the family of Humes led by the Lords of Hume Castle. This is the story of their struggle; their victories and defeats; their loves and losses; their trials and tribulations during a time of indecisive rulers, a crumbling Church, witchcraft and unimaginable treason, treachery and murder. Though a work of fiction, all the main events and characters were gleaned from the chronicles of Scottish history.