A magnificent epic fantasy from an author who appeals to the readers of J.R.R. Tolkien and THE NAME OF THE ROSE. The empire of Sarantium is beset to east and west. To the east the Asharites, star-worshippers, encroach ever closer to the imperial city itself; to the west barbarian tribes are becoming more dangerous year by year. But Valerius II wishes to take back the western lands which gave birth to the empire he now rules. Into his melting pot came Caius Crispus, a master mosaicist who is called upon to play a role in building a magnificent new sanctuary - but his final role wil be far wider and more deadly, both to himself and the empire. In this magnificent, colourful novel, first of a two-book series, Guy Gavriel Kay continues his long-running tapestry of tales from the world of TIGANA and A SONG FOR ARBONNE. This is his greatest triumph yet.