In the second of the series, Bride of the Fox, Adrian Thoreau has arrived at a hidden village in Northern Japan. Its inhabitants live a primitive lifestyle and are reputed to be influenced by Japan's traditional spirit world. Adrian and his translator, Kira, develop a relationship that only deepens as a series of mysterious and threatening events unfold. Adrian comes to realize that both of their lives depend on his ability to solve a series of riddles. Urabe Kanetomo, son of a 14th century Japanese ruler, is banished to the wildlands for his past misdeeds, only to become increasingly powerful and merciless. Though separated by centuries, Adrian's and Urabe's destinies become inextricably entwined, leading to an explosive conclusion.