1164. The young warrior Saladin joins a Saracen army headed for Egypt. He finds there a land of wonders
- from the ancient pyramids & the towering lighthouse of Alexandria to the caliph's luxurious palace
- but also a land of unparalleled danger. In Egypt no one can be trusted not even his family. Saladin is surrounded by enemies & haunted by a secret that threatens to destroy him. Meanwhile in Jerusalem Saladin's closest friend the former crusader John of Tatewic has been branded traitor. Spared execution on condition that he serves King Amalric he soon finds himself embroiled in court intrigue. Dark forces within Jerusalem conspire to seize the throne. As John confronts them his loyalty to Amalric & to his old friend Saladin is put to the test.