A Winter's Tale tells the story of Ingamald, a young woman destined to be a powerful witch in a pre--industrial world known as Hinterlund. A fearmonger in the person of Morton Winter has bought himself into power and works to control the largely illiterate populace. His oppression is absolute as he puts a halt to learning and outlaws any who work in the arcane arts. Ingamald and her magical friends are threatened with torture and death. She takes drastic and sometimes magical action, and through her wits and disguises plots Winter's demise.