Andrew III Bortniak has won the famous Palio Race despite an assassination on him and his horse, Thor, are still alive. He was seriously wounded by two crossbow bolt to his chest and back. He is in a desperate struggle to remain in the mortal world. He is cared for by all of his cousins, especially Olga. The Petrucci and the Bernabei families are also giving them everything possible to see to Andrew's recovery. They are also investigating this assassination and the powers behind it. Count Bernabei makes an outrageous gesture in seeking the help of know enemy to Siena, Giovanni di Bicci de Medici of Florence. Siena and Florence are bitter rivals for power in Tuscany. De Medici is known to have the most extensive spy network in Italy, perhaps in all of Europe. Once the family learns who is responsible they put together an elaborate scheme to have their revenge. Olga and Aleksja will be prime players in this scheme. All of Europe is waiting for the ultimate battle of the Teutonic Order against Poland. Volunteers from all over the continent are traveling east towards Prussia and Poland. Both sides are winning support for their causes. Those supporting the Teutonic Knights believe that they are venturing into a Holy Crusade for Christ. While those who support the Poles believe in freedom and Poland's right to exist as an independent Christian country. Many have experienced the prejudicial cruelty of the Order and know of their hypocrisy as righteous priests serving Christ. They know from experience the Order's thirst for power and hunger for territorial gain. Fights break out throughout Europe as these two opposing views are expressed. The time of reckoning is at hand and everyone anxiously waits to see who will win.