Eileen Stephenson

Battle-hardened Alexios Comnenus has led armies before assuming the Byzantine crown, but nothing prepared him for the triple threats of invasions from the Turks, the Pechenegs, and his most urgent menace in 1081 - the power-hungry Norman mercenary Robert Guiscard and his son, Bohemond. Spurred on by his loyalty to his family and the Roman Empire, Alexios commits himself to repelling these invaders.
Anna Dalassena, left behind in Constantinople, does battle in the Council chambers to supply Alexios with the men and gold he needs for victory. She also must manage the expectations of Rena, Alexios's pampered young wife, and those of the beautiful woman he fell in love with, Maria of Alania.