After leaving Anglia, Alf and Thea go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and eventually decide to visit Thea’s family in Nicea. Unfortunately, they all died of the plague shortly after Thea left years ago. Quarrelling, Alf and Thea split up; Alf falls into the hands of a Byzantine noblewoman and is taken into her household in Constantinople. The City is under siege by the Fourth Crusade.

The story centres on Alf and Thea’s developing relationship, Alf’s friendship with the Alkestos family, and the sack of Constantinople.

Recommended.