Chapter One

The Earl of Fife, hereditary governor of Stirling Castle and third son of the King of Scots, sat behind the large desk in his audience chamber, sternly regarding the well-dressed young man who stood before him. Fife was a good judge of men, and this one seemed more confident in his presence than most. Fife's formidable personality and ever-increasing power intimidated most men-with good reason.

"Who sent you here to me?"

"I came of my own accord, my lord," his visitor said. "I own, though, that I came to you because I think we can help each other. I am told that, rightfully, you should be heir to the throne of Scotland but must bow to a lesser man."

"It is true that I am more capable than my brother Carrick will ever be of ruling this country as it should be ruled," Fife admitted. "However, Robert the Bruce set the order of succession years ago and ordained that it must go to the eldest son."

"But the Scottish Parliament can alter that order, can it not?"

"Aye, if one could persuade them to do so."

"I'm told also that you are a religious man, a follower of the Kirk of Rome."

"That is true enough," Fife said.

"If the Pope were to support you instead of the Earl of Carrick as the next King of Scots, would that not increase your chances of persuading the Parliament?"

"Aye, sure, but what would his holiness ask of me in return?"

"We seek information about the death of a cousin, the son of my late father's brother. He disappeared whilst trying to find and return an item of some value to the Kirk of Rome. His own men believe he died at the hands o