In the middle of the eighth century the decaying city of

Rome lies defenseless against the advance of the war-mongering

Lombards. The new Pope, Stephen II, appeals for

help from the Eastern Emperor, but none arrives. In desperation

the Pope’s younger brother and a visiting nun risk

their own souls to change the course of history.

Based on real people and actual events, this is a tale of

intrigue, illicit passion, war, and the struggle for control of

medieval Europe.