As the papal wars of the Western Schism rage across Europe, a young man takes his first step on
the journey of a lifetime.
Geoffrey Hotspur dreams of knighthood.
As an English orphan-squire bonded to the court of Sir John of Gaunt, uncle of the English King
Richard II, his prospects are few.
An inveterate gambler already deep in debt, young Geoffrey eagerly accepts an invitation to
participate in a raid on French lands.
However, his plans go awry after a deadly street brawl results in his banishment from court.
As further punishment, he is ordered to join a royal commission bound for Florence.
Accompanied by Jean Lagoustine, a mysterious Frenchman whose intentions towards the young
squire are not all they appear to be, the ship upon which they journey is waylaid by corsairs.
Barely escaping with their lives, Geoffrey and Jean find themselves forming part of a company of
Catalonian crossbowmen en route to enlist with the Roman papal army. The unlikely duo must
navigate the war-torn lands of the Patrimony and the intricacies of honour and allegiance.
Intrigue and betrayal dominate the war between the two popes, and the young squire’s
understanding of faith and fidelity are soon challenged.
The need to do right inspires Geoffrey to take a personal stake in the outcome of the conflict.
With little more than his wits and a sword, the young squire must find a way to fulfil his duty to his
lord, to his faith and to himself.
As the war culminates in an epic final battle for the throne of St. Peter, will Geoffrey find that a
knighthood is worth the risk to his honour?