#1 – Niccolo Rising
In Bruges in 1460, the apparently irresponsible dyer’s apprentice Claes reveals an exceptional talent for calculation, languages and strategy after a reckless prank damages both property and noble pride. Drawn into the affairs of Marian de Charetty’s trading company, he helps defend the business from commercial…
#2 – The Spring of the Ram
In 1461, Nicholas pursues Catherine de Charetty and the Genoese adventurer Pagano Doria from Florence towards Trebizond while also trying to establish a Black Sea trading venture. The Empire of Trebizond is wealthy but politically isolated, and Mehmed II’s Ottoman army is closing in. Nicholas must…
#3 – Race of Scorpions
In 1462, Nicholas is drawn into the struggle between Charlotte of Cyprus and her half-brother James for control of the island. Both claimants want his money, soldiers and strategic skill, while Genoese, Venetian, Mamluk and papal interests compete around them. His attempt to profit without becoming…
#4 – Scales of Gold
In 1464, an attack on the House of Niccolo’s finances drives Nicholas to pursue a West African trading expedition in search of gold. The voyage follows Atlantic and river routes where Portuguese ambitions, local rulers, established Islamic commerce and European rivalry complicate every bargain. Nicholas’s determination…
#5 – The Unicorn Hunt
In 1468, Nicholas enters Scotland under the cover of expanding his banking and trading interests while pursuing answers about his wife Gelis, their child and his own disputed parentage. His schemes extend through Edinburgh, the Tyrol, Egypt and Cyprus and entangle the courts and financiers of…
#6 – To Lie with Lions
In 1471, Nicholas tries to repair his marriage to Gelis while using the House of Niccolo’s network to influence courts from Scotland and Burgundy to Iceland. A northern expedition promises new trade and technical achievement, but his public spectacles and financial manoeuvres conceal more dangerous political…
#7 – Caprice and Rondo
In 1473, the consequences of Nicholas’s earlier schemes leave him isolated from his family, friends and business. He moves through Danzig, Poland and the eastern trade routes while Gelis investigates his parentage and a betrayal within his circle. The search for lost wealth becomes a struggle…
#8 – Gemini
In 1477, Nicholas returns to Scotland with his fortune restored but with unresolved debts to family, enemies and the kingdom he previously destabilised. At the court of James III he becomes involved in trade, faction and threats to the crown while attempting to reconcile with Gelis…