From The Title Page: "When the Lady Elena was caught in the arms of a local minstrel, the young knight, Solovius of Monrovia ordered the bard to be executed. But, cooler heads prevailed, and the knight was convinced to banish the crooner to the fetid swamps to the south. Thinking it not enough, punishment, the knight summoned his trusted advisor and alchemist to create a concoction that would transform the charming minstrel into something so hideous, that no human woman would find him desirous again. Then, shackled and taken south, the bard was left for dead in the fetid fen. 50 years have passed. What became of the poor soul? And why has Lady Elena suddenly boarded a private coach heading south?