The story of the Templar knight who turned assassin for Genghis Khan

On trial for his life in Vienna Castle, former Templar knight Robert of Hadlow must answer his accusers in the Catholic Church and explain why, twenty years ago, he turned his back on his Christian brethren and made common cause with the greatest and bloodiest warlord the world has ever known. Genghis Khan.

Deeply in love with a Mongol beauty, and ensnared in the deadly politics of the Asian steppe, Robert protests that he was compelled to join the brutal invasion of China by the Mongol conquerer and obliged to obey his murderous commands.

But will Robert's extraordinary story be believed?

If found guilty by the Duke of Austria's court, Robert will be executed as a traitor to Christendom. But much worse, to the Englishman's mind, a verdict of treason against him will also condemn the entire Order of the Knights Templar to disgrace, disaffection and, ultimately, dissolution.

The compelling second novel in Angus Donald's blockbuster new series, inspired by a true story.