610AD. The bloodthirsty Emperor Phocas is preparing for the greatest battle of his life. Enemy armies are racing closer to attack his fortress the golden city of Constantinople & traitors within plot his downfall. Clinging to power by masterminding a campaign of terror he is running out of funds allies & time.. .but he has one card left to play. Aelric a naive & ambitious young clerk from Britain is sent to Constantinople ostensibly on a mission to copy old texts for the Church of Rome. On his arrival he discovers the terrible dangers lurking behind the shining streets & glittering facades. A pawn in a secret conspiracy that will change the course of history he can only rely on his wits charm & fighting skills to stay alive.