London 1587. Young Barbary, a con artist and pickpocket, has to deal with the authorities. Queen Elizabeth herself has plans for her. For her spies have passed on a highly interesting rumour to her... Barbary is supposed to pretend to be the lost grandchild of the pirate queen Grace O'Malley and bring the clan's legendary treasure back to England for the chronically cash-strapped queen. Barbary, however, feels beholden to no one but herself. But then she is drawn into the flare-up of rebellion under Hugh O'Neill, and her cold-bloodedness is over. In the midst of political intrigue, the fight for freedom and the horrors of war, Barbary experiences the beauty and tragedy of Ireland - and her great love.
