Publisher's Synopsis
Hamilton's edgy, blackly humorous and off-beat historical novels have already made her something of a cult figure in British writing. A woman and a boy are on the run. Behind them ride three men whose mission is murder. Roslyn de Sorules, a trained Gleemaiden, knows that she is being hunted, but not why - only that she must find sanctuary for the child whom she protects. She seeks this sanctuary in Stirrup, the home of Sir Richard Straccan, trader in holy relics and general sword for hire. But Straccan himself is on his travels, still looking for the woman he loves. The trail is going cold and to add to Straccan's woes, the Bishop of Winchester has set him the mammoth task of escorting the great bell, Gaudete, to its resting place in Durham. The journey ahead is dogged by disaster at every turn they take...
