Nimue adopts the traits of a man, Merlin Athrawes, so she is better suited to lead in patriarchal Safehold. Merlin resolves to pose as a gifted individual, rather than another "angel" making "miracles" with technology. He plans to slowly undermine the church with its own flaws, as represented by a dominant cabal of corrupt prelates, the Group of Four. Merlin chooses the most progressive of the various nations that govern in the church's name, the island Kingdom of Charis, as a host for a "virus" of innovation. He gains King Haarahld's trust by saving his son, Cayleb, from a team of assassins, before uncovering a dangerous plan for a coup.