June, 1510: the Burren, west coast of IrelandKing Turlough has departed to do battle against the Earl of Kildare when Mara goes into labour, unexpectedly early. She sends for Malachy the physician, but he does not arrive - only his estranged daughter, Nuala, comes to her aid. After the birth of a healthy son, Mara quickly regains strength, and then Nuala tells her the news: Malachy has been found dead, poisoned by one of his own medicines. Malachy's...