When the new sheriff, don Garcia, arrives in the Kingdom of Navarre in 1076 A.D., a foul murder has terrified the castle. Garcia wants a new life after years as a mercenary in the Moorish-occupied Spain. A betrothal to the lady-of-the-castle, doña Dora, will give him what he hopes for, even if it is by order of the king's decree. But Dora's heart is elsewhere, and when unrest erupts in the land and perilous court intrigues unfold, Garcia must solve more than murder. Garcia is beset by deadly a Saracen raiding party, an assassination at court, and a challenge to the ancient law. He must take up his sword again to win Dora's heart, and to solve the crimes to make a peaceful home for them in a shattered kingdom. historical romantic suspense