From the publisher:
For centuries, Huntsridge has stood as a quiet, isolated community, its people bound by tradition and the rugged land they call home. The village’s cobblestone streets wind through clusters of thatched cottages, leading to the heart of Huntsridge – a stone church that stands as a sentinel against the encroaching wilderness. Yet beneath this veneer of tranquillity, a sinister presence lurks. Two powerful lords, Eamon MacLeod of the east and Alastair MacGregor of the west, vie for dominion over the region. Their rivalry, born of old grudges and political ambition, threatens to tear the land asunder. As tensions mount, the villagers whisper of the Cult of the Dragon Marsh, a clandestine group of death-worshippers led by the enigmatic and malevolent priestess, Moirag. This cult, once thought to be the stuff of fearful legends, has resurfaced, performing dark rituals and spreading their influence through fear and bloodshed. Amidst this turmoil, a shadow moves silently through the night – the Phantom, a murderous assassin whose identity and purpose remain shrouded in mystery. The Phantom’s blade strikes without warning, leaving behind a trail of death and the cryptic symbol of the Dragon Marsh carved into the flesh of the victims. The village’s only hope lies with a young herbalist named Isla, whose knowledge of ancient lore and healing arts might hold the key to unravelling the cult’s secrets. As Isla uncovers hidden truths and forges uneasy alliances, she must navigate a world where every shadow conceals a threat and every ally could turn foe. In this land of mist and mystery, where the past clings to the present like a spectre, the fate of Huntsridge hangs by a thread. The clash between Eamon and Alastair, the rise of the Cult of the Dragon Marsh, and the silent terror of the Phantom all converge to create a crucible of fear and courage. As darkness descends and the forces of death tighten their grip, the villagers must confront the horrors of their past to forge a future free from the shadows.