A band of English Mercenaries led by the elegant but ruthless James Eldritch are forced into the service of the notorious Bastard of Gueldres, sworn enemy of Italian warlord Albert Tarsi. Soon they are dragged into two men's vicious little war. Italy in 1520, one of the most colorful and violent periods of Europe's history, is brought to life by an author with a flair for historical adventures.

As the armies of Francis I and Charles V meet to decide the fate of the Holy Roman Empire, Scottish mercenary James Eldritch has more personal matters on his mind - such as finding his sister, and Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious secret weapon, or evading the attentions of the Inquisition.