Lord Rinaldo may be ready to take back Zardano, but is he ready to take on the Devilshoof? Travel back to medieval times with author Harris Dickson Shortle, to a country filled with war-torn city-states conquered by the greatest soldier in Italy, Lord Rinaldo, a man whose many opposing characteristics struggle to find balance. After laying waste to Salagardi, Rinaldo has one desireto reclaim his birthright as Duke of Zardano. But the Duchess Laura's rule is feared by all, even his beloved Cherubs. Since she is rumored to use black magic to retain her throne, Rinaldo must accomplish his quest alone. When he arrives, Rinaldo finds peaceful, happy people who revere their duchess. Knowing warfare will not be easy, he meets secretly with his free captains, intending to strategize. But the meeting is abbreviated when they learn Laura knows of their suspected tryst and has ordered them to come to the palace. Certain death cannot deter Rinaldo! The next day the four head for the castle with the entire citizenship spilling onto the streets to see the certain hanging. The events that follow surprise the whole of the city-state, and Rinaldo soon finds his journey to becoming The Duke of Zardano has thrown him into the most difficult internal battle yet.