13th Century England - Le Chateau Doux et Dour: To survive a Crusade and return seeming whole and healthy should be a cause for joy- great joy.  But Baron Herbert's return begins a slide into menancholy and dolor.  Death seems to permeate the air- and lives are ending in strange and terrible ways. The healing wisdom from Tyndal Priory is called upon, and Prioress Eleanor, Sister Anne, and the quiet monk Brother Thomas brave the journey to the island castle.  It is fortunate they are wise in medicine... and murder.