The King's Spies

Sir Goeffrey Mappestone uncovers a plot to overthrow King Henry I in this absorbing 12th century mystery. March 1102, and Robert de Belleme, the Black Earl of Shrewsbury, is summoned to appear before King Henry´s Easter Court, to answer for siding with the King´s older brother, the Duke of Normandy, in an attempt to steal the King´s throne. Meanwhile, in the crowded and dangerous streets of Southwark, south of the river Thames, Crusader Knights Sir Geoffrey Mappestone and the hearty Sir Roger of Durham witness a man murdered by hanging from the window of the Crusader´s Arms Inn. But this is not just any man, he is the illegitimate nephew of Robert de Belleme, and had apparently been holding a meeting with two mysterious men. In fact, it turns out the inn has been used for many meetings of the earl´s spies, and there are plans afoot to obtain a terrible weapon to use against the King, one that the Crusader Knights remember with a terrible fear from the Siege of Jerusalem Greek Fire. Solving the murder is only the first step in uncovering the plot against the King.