The Emperor in Constantinople is hiring mercenaries to repel the infidel.Among them is the ruthless nobleman, Roussel de Balliol and his wife LadyMatilda. His obligations sit lightly upon him; his first priority is tofind a fief. Only land will give him the wealth, status and power hedesires. It is upon Roger, attached to Roussel's force, that the story isconcentrated. Through him we receive a vivid and vital picture of eleventhcentury life.