In the story Cynewyn is the niece of Lord Alfgar, who is the real final Mercian Lord from the family that ruled Mercia for hundreds of years during the Saxon era. She was chatelaine for her father at Drayton Manor (a part of the lands he got from his brother). In quick succession, her husband is killed in a skirmish with William’s forces, her father dies and she loses her baby after Thurstan runs her down on a path on a dark night. Despite these tragedies, she is dedicated to her people and the lives of those around her.