In Elizabethan Ireland, many tensions arise from pride and politics within the Welsh Norman clans of County Mayo. Two factual and historical events changed many lives forever: the fate of a ship of the Spanish Armada, and a clan feud between the Barretts and the Lynotts. At Blacksod Bay, a Spanish slave is left for dead and abandoned at the shipwreck of the Spanish Armada. While the ownership of the slave is being disputed, a passionate romance develops between the slave and the daughter of the 'MacWilliam' clan chief. She gives birth to his son and is forced to claim she was raped. Despite betrayal and murder attempts, the slave survives Irish rebellion for many years with his companion, Duald. In a revenge attack, all male members of the Lynott clan are blinded by the Barretts. Left as one of the few clan members with eyesight, Duald's position in the community is elevated. Eventually, Tibbot, now fostered by the Lynotts, must avenge their rejection by the Bourkes. But for the rape of his mother, his father must die.