Harald Hardrada wants the throne of Norway.<br /><br />With the mad Byzantine emperor Michael The Fifth deposed, Harald turns his attention to the north. But General Maniakes has something different in mind for him.<br /><br />Using Hardrada as an instrument of death, he&#39;s not the only one who seeks to rule Byzantium. Bishops lie, soldiers fight, assassins stalk the streets and lovers lament. And in the end, they all lose their lives.<br /><br />Hardrada needs treasure to win his crown, and the new Empress Zoe has it. With few resources and even less time, Harald faces a difficult choice - and the specter of death is never far away.