The exquisitely-researched standalone prequel series to Dorothy Dunnett’s revered Lymond Chronicles, following the enigmatic Nicholas de Fleury in Continental Europe.

January 1474, in the deep cold of an ice-bound Danzig- a man is spending a frivolous winter not facing up to his responsibilities … It is the merchant Niccolo, diviner, soldier, banker to Kings; shunned by all who know him after revelations of hismurderous mischief-making. But his talents are too great to be squandered, and a subtle political dance ensues as rivals in Poland, Venice, and Persia bid for his services in trade and war and diplomacy. Niccolo has lost his family; but he will discover a new purpose in life…