1170 A.D. - His name is Valor. Sir Valor "Val" de Nerra is one of Henry II's most trusted knights. As the Itinerant Justice in Basingstoke and surrounding villages, Val's word is law. A fair and just man, and a very handsome one, he enjoys a good deal of attention and respect. His life is a prestigious and wealthy one until he faces a decision one day that will change the course of his life. Val must order the execution of his betroth's brother. Val has adored Lady Vesperia for as long as he can recall. As he strives to win her back, the king orders Val to participate in an event that will shock the country for years to come - the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket. Will he obey? Or will he refuse? From a man who had enjoyed the wealth, love, and admiration of all to a man who falls swiftly from grace, be part of Val and Vesperia's journey as Val struggles to regain what he lost and comes to understand what is truly important in life in this novel of astonishing emotion, passion, and pain.