Publisher's Synopsis
A curse is laid on the crown of the mighty Byzantium empire which has stood for almost a thousand years. Those who wear it and rule the kingdom will die. Yet the crown is no small prize. It holds the key to the wealth, power and prestige of the nation and the great city of Constantinople. Prince Alexius aspires to the throne. He is the son of Emperor Isaac Angelos II, and when Isaac is deposed by Alexius' uncle and blinded, the prince must decide to fight for the crown or flee. He does both, aided at every step by his faithful friend and tutor, Basil Christopher Xavier. Told from Basil's viewpoint, the prince encounters dangers at every turn as he tries to flee from his uncle's clutches and find help for himself and his imprisoned father. Basil meets a girl in one of the taverns near the waterfront, a girl he can't get from his mind for her beauty and her personality. When she disappears, Basil must find her, free her and take her to safety. He promised his help, as well, to the prince, and so is caught between two impossible tasks. As the last days of the beautiful city of Constantinople tick away, Basil is there, providing help to the boy he taught who is now emperor. But events spin out of control. Basil seeks to free the girl he loves and finds himself enmeshed in a web of terror, deceit, and murder. He puts his trust in Jesus Christ and prays, seeking the help of a troupe of jesters. With his friends, his faith, and his courage, he tackles a task that seems insurmountable. This is a tale of warfare, heroic deeds, despicable characters, love and enduring faith. You won't put it down until the very last word. Come along on this fantastic journey. Find the joy. Embrace the love. Break the curse.
