Connor's history is revealed through a series of flashbacks. In the Scottish Highlands in 1536, Connor is about to enter his first battle as the Fraser Clan is at war with the MacLeod Clan. The Frasers are aided by the Kurgan (the last of the Kurgan tribes) in exchange for his right to slay Connor. In battle, the Kurgan stabs Connor fatally, but is driven off before he can decapitate him. Connor makes a complete recovery and both his lover Kate and his cousin Dougal betray and accuse him of witchcraft. The clan wishes to kill him, but his other cousin, chieftain Angus, forbids this and mercifully exiles him. Banished, he wanders the highlands, becoming a blacksmith and marrying a woman named Heather MacDonald.