Young cleric Matthias Sykes’ life is radically changed by the mysterious Ottoman counselor Sokollu and by the Caliph’s gift, a pair of elegant throwing daggers. A darkly cryptic message engraved on their hilts proves prophetic, and young Matthias is faced with a life-changing choice.

One of the Gundermen tried to trip me as I debarked.

I grabbed his throat and choked him, not letting go even when his eyes went white.

Just as his body started to go slack, I smashed my cane’s head into his face three times, fiercely, for his earlier remark had put me in a dark mood —