On the journey from London, Verity meets David Fortune, another archaeologist attached to the project. She is taken by the big Scotsman's handsome looks, but as he is politely distant, Verity concludes he isn't interested. When she arrives in Scotland, she discovers that her new employer is Peter Quinnell, a legendary archaeologist considered quite mad by the archaeological establishment. Verity, however, is taken by the elderly gentleman's charm. Quinnell confides to Verity that he believes he has discovered the last campsite of the Legio IX Hispana a famous Roman legion that was lost without a trace.
Verity is dubious but intrigued.
After all, to find evidence of the mysterious fate of the Ninth Legion would be, archaeologically speaking, nearly as fantastic as finding the Holy Grail. Verity decides to accept the position, because it is a thrilling opportunity, even if risky. Everything about Scotland seems to thrill her not excluding David Fortune, who, alas, continues to remain icily aloof. Still, Verity settles very happily into her fascinating work. Soon, though, she begins to sense danger lurking in the mists.