When passions develop between Ina and the heir of firm friends the Brothaigh's, everyone is excited at the prospect of a marriage. But Alasdair Brothaigh is two years late in returning to Ina and she is no longer convinced of his affections. Working his hardest to secure her hand in marriage the wedding preperations start. However a terrible illness penetrates the Elliot clan killing many including the Laird. Uncertain of what they are dealing with Ina orders the gates closed and orders Alasdair to stay away. New Laird, David Elliot quickly shows his cruelty as he depletes the rescources of the once affluent clan. Convincing everyone of Ina's death, he holds her prisoner using her to fulfill his perverse enjoyment of brutality. Finally being rescued by the middle Elliot child, Declan, he helps her to run to the Brothaigh lands were they hope to seek protection from Alasdair who is now Laird.