The novel is set in the late 16th century and follows the adventures of a young Englishman, Richard Tressilian, who is sent by Queen Elizabeth I to Spain on a secret mission. He is tasked with delivering a message to King Philip II of Spain, and must navigate the treacherous political waters of the Spanish court. Along the way, he meets a beautiful Spanish noblewoman, Dona Maria de Mendoza, and falls in love with her. However, his mission is complicated by the machinations of the Spanish court, and he soon finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of espionage and intrigue. With the help of his loyal friend, Sir John Killigrew, Richard must find a way to complete his mission and save his beloved Maria from the clutches of the Spanish Inquisition.
By Rafael Sabatini · First published 1930 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Romance