In fifth-century Britain, nine years after the destruction of their home on the island of Shalott brings her to live with her father and brothers in the military encampments of Arthur's army, seventeen-year-old Elaine of Ascolat describes her changing perceptions of war and the people around her as she becomes increasingly involved in the struggle against the invading Saxons and copes with feelings of jealousy toward the beautiful Gwynivere.

When sixteen-year-old Dan Renfrew accidentally transports himself to England in the year 1066, he learns he is a time jumper, descended from a long line of secret heroes who protect the present by traveling to the past to fix breaks and glitches in the time stream.