The compelling 16th-century tale of John Maxwell, Warden of the West March. As the turbulent reign of King Henry VIII gives way to the rule of Elizabeth Tudor, young John Maxwell seeks to play his part in the March of Dumfries and Galloway, doing his best to control a motley crew of dalesmen and mosstroopers and the unruly West March English. A loyal supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, Maxwell finds himself drawn into the wider sphere of the kingdom's affairs as he becomes entangled with Mary's suitors, courtiers--and her enemies.