The 3rd book in the Lymond series and another one that holds your interests with its intricate plot and vivid descriptions. Lymond is in Scotland and is there for the sieges of Malta, Gozo, and Tripoli. These serve as the backdrop and the board against which is played an intricate game of chess for power. Add to this the feuds of the Scottish clans, Lymonds creation of a mercenary force and there's an explosive mixture. As usual, Dunnett's dialog when first read can be misleading in their ambiguity as to the actual motives for what was said, but are consistent with how the character later acts.

As usual, a very erudite potboiler which transports you into life during the 1550's.