*** BGS Gold Mark Awarded Books *** After years of seeking his identity, Oric discovers who he is. He reluctantly claims his inheritance and takes up residence on his poverty-stricken estate. Fearing their new master to be yet another tyrannical landowner, local peasants and tenant farmers remain surly and uncommunicative. A would-be herbalist, and part time fortune- teller, exacerbates the situation by doing everything in her power to discredit Oric. Son of Lockton Castle's former illegal owner, seethes over his father's death and the loss of his home. Determined to wreak revenge, he spreads a web of evil that encompasses the entire district. Oric takes every eventuality in his stride - until his ladylove is kidnapped. Upon receipt of a ransom note, his fury knows no bounds.