Death and the Lady — Judith Tarr

A story set in the world of The Hound and the Falcon: In the midst of the Black Death, in a nation constantly at war, the women of Sency have found ways to survive and even to thrive. They live well enough in their men's absence, with their faces to the world and their backs to the ancient and perilous Wood. Then one day a traveler appears, a beautiful and mysterious lady who brings with her both danger and enchantment.