Set mainly in the Mediterranean area between 1594-1608, this is not the best time for apprentice falconer Pawl Cassa to fall in love with Lucia, a headstrong young girl with a mysterious past. Most of the region was under Turkish rule with the notable exception of Malta, firmly Catholic under the Knights of St. John and England, firmly Protestant under Elizabeth and James 1st. They are soon parted by a series of curious and unexpected events, but Pawl swears not to give up until he finds Lucia again. When they finally meet again their lives have changed radically and it takes years of trial and danger in many lands before they finally find happiness.