Medb hErenn, one-time queen of Ireland during the days of legend and myth, now resides in the Lands of the Dreams of Men, where she goes adventuring for pleasure and treasure. Between quests she supports herself as a freelance "troubleshooter", solving problems no one else can or will.
Rothgar the Reaver, a barbarian of evil repute, has fled the town of Ulthar after committing numerous acts of theft and assault. Medb has been commissioned to hunt him down, capture him, and return him alive and mostly unharmed to make restitution.
She is strong enough to defeat him by brute force, but she cannot guarantee his condition afterwards. Yet if a physical confrontation must be avoided, how else is she to accomplish her mission?