In 1645, the Civil War rages and young Nicholas Lambert joins the Royalist Army, leaving his sister Katharine behind. Six years later, with the Royalists defeated, Nicholas is a fugitive. Returning home for safety, accompanied by two friends, he finds much has changed. Taking Katharine and his cousin Hester as cover, they attempt to escape to France, but encounter difficulties before even reaching the coast. And then Katharine disappears... Suspicious of their new acquaintances, who will they be able to trust?