William the Conqueror's cruel reign over England is in its sixteenth year. His armies had destroyed much of northern England several years earlier, but the land still remains barren and lifeless. The Pedlar suspects that a Gateway to the Spirits, who are responsible for regenerating the natural world each springtime, has been destroyed and their powers stolen. When he hears that Bishop Vermilus is back in the King's favour he knows that it is he who is to blame. Instead of taking Agatha to school, they head for London and then the north where they must face the Scappers as well as Bishop Odo, King William's half brother.