A medieval tale of fantasy and adventure, the novel explores themes of peacemaking and respect for indigenous peoples and the environment.Murdoch's Tale tells the story of Corwin, who, as a small child witnessed the massacre of his village during the Border Wars between England and Scotland.His rescuer, Tovan, is a Faer, or "faerie," as we call them, the original people of Europe, also known as "the People of Peace." The question he asks Corwin haunts the boy. "Why do your people do this?"