Answering a golden threat requires a sterling faith … Secure on the throne of Lystra, Roman, the Chataine’s former guardian, heeds a warning that a nearby ruler is amassing power to strike. Roman decides to go see the situation for himself. His wife, the Surchataine Deirdre, convinces him that she should go as well. Leaving their young son in trusted hands, they travel to Corona to confront a madman who dresses himself not just in gold, but in supernatural powers.

During their absence, a usurper attempts to seize power at Westford, so Roman must attack his own capital to regain control. With each success, new threats arise. The crisis point comes when all Lystra believes Roman is dead, and the fate of the province lies in the hands of a teenage girl.

The Annals of Lystra begin with Chataine’s Guardian, continue in Stone of Help, and conclude with Liberation of Lystra. The story then picks up 100 years later with Nicole of Prie Mer: Book One of the Latter Annals of Lystra.