When war and passion collide, all but the brave will flounder Sabin FitzSimon, disgraced son of an earl, finally has the chance to salvage his reputation when renowned knight Edmund Strongfist asks Sabin to join him on his journey to the Holy Land, offering sword and services to the King of Jerusalem. The only thing Sabin must promise is to keep away from Strongfist's beautiful daughter, Annais. Sabin obeys, but his attraction to Annais's spirit, courage and her wonderful harp playing become increasingly difficult to resist. As Sabin struggles to keep his heart in check, he must also confront the trials of The Holy Land itself. A land in turmoil from constant warfare and the capture of its King, Sabin is faced with taking command of the fortress of Montabard - and marrying its recently widowed chateleine.