1096. The Pope has called for a Crusade to free Jerusalem, and half
the warriors of Europe have responded. Among them is the Norman,
Count Bohemund, one-time enemy of Byzantium, whose help is required
if progress is to be possible. In company with his warrior nephew,
Tancred of Lecce, Bohemund must once more cross the Adriatic to the
lands of the Byzantine Empire. His first task, pushing back the
Infidel Turks, calls for an uneasy alliance with old enemy Emperor
Alexius. But can the Crusaders trust the wily Emperor, and is he
really on their side?
With old tensions and grudges arising, and the violent crusades of
the People's Pilgrimage bringing destruction upon middle Europe, the
strength of this reluctant truce, and the de Hauteville dynasty
itself, is truly put to the test. Bohemund is faced once again with
the opportunity to gain power, land and riches for himself, but do
the risks of doing so outweigh the rewards? The Crusaders must
contend with sieges, open battles, hunger and want on their journey
to mighty Antioch, where they face the stiffest test of their
mettle. As defeat threatens, only Norman discipline can save the day.
'Historical fiction at its very best ... The story is fascinating and
expertly told - narrated intelligently and with elan' Historical Novels
Review Jack Ludlow is the pen-name of writer David Donachie, who was
born in Edinburgh in 1944. He has always had an abiding interest in
history: from the Roman Republic to medieval warfare as well as the
naval history of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which he has
drawn on for his many historical adventure novels. David lives in Deal
with his partner, the novelist Sarah Grazebrook.
