Kit Porter's fear that he is being followed is confirmed when he is arrested by Alec Weston, a captain in the City Guard. Taken as a thief, Kit soon realizes that darker forces are at work.
Captain Weston's suspicions have been aroused by the Lord Chancellor's insistence that he take an armed escort to the eastern border of the shire to pick up one lone cutpurse. As Alec gets to know Kit during their journey back to the capital, he becomes convinced that his prisoner is something more than a common thief. When Alec finally realizes the reason for Kit's arrest, his growing feelings for the young man and his outraged sense of justice lead him to make a choice that will change their lives forever.