Playing "bait" isn't a new task for Edric; he's used to doing whatever Father Osmer asks in their hunt for those subverting the will of the church. If he isn't being seduced by fey or testing the old legend about falling asleep under an apple tree, Edric's forced to investigate the most dangerous of church enemies: little old ladies living in the countryside. This one particular village reminds Edric of everything he tried to escape from: poverty, mud and livestock. What he doesn't expect to find is the most magical creature of all -- someone he loves, and someone willing to help him break free of Father Osmer.