February, AD 668, and Cashel is full of distinguished visitors. The reason? Fidelma of Cashel and Eadulf of Seaxmund's Ham are to be married. But on the eve of the ceremony, the pious Abbot Ultßn, who has travelled from the far north to attend, is found murdered in his chamber. Worst still - one of the most distinguished guests, the King of Connacht, has been seen fleeing from the scene and is charged with the murder. He demands his right to appoint Fidelma in his defence. Quickly Fidelma discovers that Abbot Ultßn is not the pious man he was thought to be - indeed, many of the guests have cause to hate him. It is a long weekend of suspicion, fear and more death before Fidelma and Eadulf are able to reveal to their restless and querulous guests the truth behind Ultßn's murder.