This story is set in August, 1098. Having destroyed Kerbogha's army, the crusaders are at last secure in Antioch. But internal quarrels still consume them: Raymond and Bohemond are almost at war over who should possess the conquered city, and with Adhemar dead there is no-one with authority or inclination to enforce unity. Meanwhile, Demetrios Askiates longs to return home to his family. But he has come too far, and the only way home now leads through the holy city of Jerusalem. But first the Franks must be prised out of Antioch. With the princes deadlocked, Demetrios reluctantly enlists the help of the visionary preacher Peter Bartholomew, finder of the holy lance. When Peter rouses the peasants who make up the mass of the crusaders, the bickering princes are forced to listen, and the crusade at last sets out. But Peter is a dangerous ally, and his newfound power begins to derange him. A year after the capture of Antioch, the crusaders reach Jerusalem. And when at last, after a three-day onslaught, the city falls, Demetrios must find his family while the crusaders' journey reaches its terrible apotheosis in a nightmare of violence, bloodshed and slaughter.