Gemini

In Scotland, 1477, Nicholas de Fleury, a former banker and merchant, returns to a land he nearly ruined four years prior through a fierce commercial and personal conflict. Now seeking redemption, he becomes embroiled in a complex power struggle involving the Scottish royal family, Edinburgh's merchants, the gentry, clergy, and foreign powers like the English, French, and Burgundians. His return attracts his wife Gelis and their son Jodi, alongside past companions such as Dr. Tobias, Mick Crackbene, and John le Grant. Nicholas also encounters influential figures from his past, including King James III and his rebellious siblings, as well as the St. Pols and Mistress Bel. As he navigates this tumultuous landscape, he alternates between a guarded demeanor and a vibrant charm that draws people to him. With the revelation of his birth and heritage, Nicholas faces a pivotal choice about establishing a future for his family in Scotland. This installment concludes the House of Niccolò series, showcasing the early Renaissance's dramatic world through authentic historical writing. Infused with wit, emotion, and mystery, it culminates in Nicholas's decision about his heart's home and his role as an advisor, husband, father, and leader, hinting at a connection to Francis Crawford from The Lymond Chronicles.