It is AD 61. The Roman domination of Britain is almost complete, but the druids believe that one of their number is the 'Star Dancer,' who will turn aside the evil that threatens the land. Suetonius Paulinus, the Roman governor of Britain, has slaughtered nearly all the druids on Mona (Anglesey). Amongst the few who escaped are seventeen year old Tegen, with Tonn, her husband. Tonn was ritually sacrificed to persuade the gods to send the Romans away, leaving Tegen alone, pregnant and angry. She has been proclaimed as the Star Dancer, but she is in no mood to help anyone. Her only wish is to flee to Eriu (Ireland) to bring up her baby in peace. But her destiny will not let her go. At the beginning of Stone Keeper, Tegen is ordered to stand by the side of Boudica, the rebel queen, as her battle druid. Reluctantly, Tegen obeys, but she and Boudica loathe each other on sight. The Iceni queen and her daughters have been cruelly abused by the Romans, leaving the queen bitter and paranoid. She now heartlessly destroys everyone and anything that has the slightest connection with Rome. Boudica's ruthlessness is equally matched by Suetonius's callousness as he subdues the British. Despising both sides, Tegen decides to usher in the Time of Stone - a spiritual winter which she believes will allow the land she loves to heal itself so spring can return. But Tegen's dark magic also unleashes the very evil she is meant to turn aside - the demon of vengeance and hatred.