A Quest for God and Spices

by Dean Cycon

In the year AD 1200, a new pope agitates for a renewed crusade to reconquer Moslem-controlled Jerusalem. European monarchs largely ignore his call, too involved with squabbles among themselves. The pope chooses two men—Brother Mauro, an older monk, and Nicolo, a young, striving merchant—to traverse the treacherous political, religious, and mercantile terrain of medieval Europe and seek out the powerful Prester John, a mysterious king in the Far East who has promised to put his wealth and vast armies to the service of the pope’s crusade.
Nicolo’s task is to guide Mauro, but a corrupt cardinal has secretly charged the young man with finding the source of the precious spices that ensure the Venetian and Arab trade monopoly. Nicolo’s youthful exuberance, carelessness, and desire to be important jeopardize their mission, while Mauro’s knowledge of scripture and pagan works has not prepared him for the schemes of doges and emirs, clergymen and kings.

Please read the synopsis above and then CLICK on the cover you prefer. Thanks for helping us pick a cover.