V. L. Smith

When Sir Philip, baron Colombier, is entrapped in a treasonous plot by the enemies of his lord, Richard Duke of Aquitaine, his lifelong relationship as foster brother to the duke threatens to disintegrate. As war with France, Toulouse, and Brittany looms, Philip is ordered to Aragon in the desperate hope of finding an ally in King Alphonso, and perhaps restore his place at Richard's court. Yet even as he journeys from Le Mans to Zaragoza in the enforced company of men he does not trust, Philip begins to suspect his duke is hiding a secret, one that has already cost the life of his fellow baron and neighbor, Elias de Monpazier, and likely threatens his own.
 (Approximately 90, 000 words)