The novel is set in the late 16th century, during the reign of King Philip II of Spain. It follows the adventures of Don Diego de Vargas, a young Spanish nobleman who is sent to the Netherlands to serve as a soldier in the Spanish army. Diego is a brave and loyal soldier, but he is also a romantic at heart. He falls in love with a beautiful Dutch girl, and soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous game of politics and intrigue. He must choose between his loyalty to Spain and his love for the girl, and his decisions will have far-reaching consequences. The novel is a thrilling adventure story, full of action, romance, and political intrigue. It is a classic of historical fiction, and a must-read for fans of Sabatini's work.
By Rafael Sabatini · First published 1917 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance · 4 chapters