The central storyline in Jewel of the Mind follows the struggle of Gunnar, a young Norse prince, and Ilse, the girl he loves. When his father is murdered, Prince Gunnar is captured and sold into slavery, leaving home and loved ones behind.
        Parallel storylines follow the enslaved Gunnar, the girl Ilse, and the women and men of Elde as they attempt to maintain hope in tumultuous times. Stunned by the disappearance of the prince, Ilse struggles to maintain hope in a city torn apart by the stain of bloody regicide.
        As the years pass, the enslaved Prince Gunnar dreams of returning to the city and the girl he loves. His intense longing is fueled by an idealized remembrance of family and home, a glittering vision expressed in the book's title: Jewel of the Mind.
        The story builds to a surprising climax as the prince returns and is forced to choose between the conflicting ideals of vengeance and mercy. Whichever course he chooses, his life - and the lives of his loved ones - will be changed forever.