. Unlike most of his other novels, it is not set in the American West, but is a historical novel
set in 12th century Europe
and the Middle East
.
The main character of the story is Mathurin Kerbouchard. In the course of the story he goes around from city to city looking for his father and assumes the roles of slave
, pirate, scholar, physician
, merchant
, alchemist
and lover
. Kerbouchard becomes a seeker of knowledge and fortune on a journey
of challenge, danger and revenge.
Along his long journey the main character is thrust into the heart of the treacheries, passions, violence and dazzling wonders of a magnificent time.
"A ship does not sail with yesterday's wind." -Red Mark
"Any time is a time for thinking of women, and when they thrust the blade that takes my life I shall be thinking of women, or of a woman. If not, then death has come too late." ~Mathurin Kerbouchard
"I have only a sword, but a strong man need wish for no more than this: a sword in the hand, a horse between his knees, and the woman he loves at the battle's end." ~Mathurin Kerbouchard
"Much of command is the ability to take command."
"A lion is not to be slain by jackals."
"If I do not travel late I may not travel at all." -Mathurin
"How many are the lives we meet and pass!" -Mathurin
You have saved my life. Wait. Perhaps I have only made you aware of death. We do not yet know what the night may bring. -Mathurin
Have you heard about the Devil quoting scriptures for his own ends? The Devil survives. Is survival, then, the first thing? Is there not something else? Honor first, then victory, but if a man is to learn, first he must live. You would be wise to go to Co'rdoba or to Toledo. The best of things is to learn. Money can be lost or stolen, health and strength may fail, but what you have committed to your mind is yours forever.