Новинки Пипа Воэн-Хьюза

1248 AD. King Louis of France is about to invade Egypt on his vainglorious Seventh Crusade. Pope and Emperor are fighting for mastery over Christendom. And where greed and ambition cross, blood soon follows. When his oldest friend is killed in broad daylight, Petroc of Auneford - former relic-hunter turned respectable Venetian banker and married man - knows…

1242 AD and Europe is in flames once more. The King of France, Louis, has decided to stamp out the heretic faith of the Cathars once and for all. The trouble is that Petroc and his mentor, Captain de Montalhac are on the wrong side... For the Captain can no longer ignore his Cathar roots and heads for the Languedoc and war with his former patron. He takes with him not only gold, but also something far more valuable - a mysterious relic depicting the face of Jesus. This 'Cathar Crucifix' will rally a full-scale rebellion against the French Monarchy. But Petroc can see the danger to his friend. Louis possesses a huge army and the necessary ruthlessness to crush all in his path. Now - as Montalhac retreats to the mountain fastness of Montsegur - only Petroc can save his friend - and perhaps the most sacred relic of all...

In the darkness of 13th Century Europe, the most precious treasures of the Christian world lie in a small church in the great ruined city of Constantinople: the crown of thorns, the spear that pierced Jesus' side, the shroud bearing the imprint of Christ.

On the other side of the globe, Petroc of Auneford sails into the sprawling Pool of London for the first time. He has left his old monastic world behind for that of the enigmatic Captain de Montalhac - purveyor of fine relics and other exotic trinkets to anyone with sufficient money and desire.

For Petroc, the trip is soon blighted by tragedy, but grief is no guard against greed or rumour. The great powers of Christendom are gathering ... all covet the power of the most precious relics - and Petroc finds himself right in the eye of the storm.

Священные реликвии христианства… За право обладания ими ведут войны короли средневековой Европы. Но как отличить подлинные мощи от подделки? Как распознать истинное сокровище среди сотен фальшивых?

И если уж посчастливится завладеть настоящей реликвией, как сохранить и ее, и собственную жизнь? Вот лишь немногие вопросы, на которые вынужден искать ответы брат Петрок — юный монах из провинциальной английской обители, волей случая ставший учеником и помощником легендарного «охотника за реликвиями» де Монтальяка…

Священные реликвии христианства...

За право обладания ими ведут войны короли средневековой Европы.

Но как отличить подлинные мощи от подделки?

Как распознать истинное сокровище среди сотен фальшивых?

И если уж посчастливится завладеть настоящей реликвией, как сохранить и ее, и собственную жизнь?

Вот лишь немногие вопросы, на которые вынужден искать ответы брат Петрок - юный монах из провинциальной английской обители, волей случая ставший учеником и помощником легендарного "охотника за реликвиями" де Монтальяка...