Chapter Twelve is in the Queue.
Johannes once again finds himself in Rome, ordered there by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. The city is once again in the same condition as it was the first time he entered Rome. The central government that he had helped form—an alliance between the Imperial Crown and the Papacy, assisted by the Commune of Rome—has fallen into disarray. Loyalties have shifted, infighting between various factions continues, and support for Pope Adrian IV is shrinking.
If that isn't enough, guests whom the King of France asked Johannes to accompany have arrived on a mission to offer an alliance of their own, one intended to replace the Holy Roman Empire as the Mother Church's principal supporter.
Then there are the personal demons Johannes must face: the family of his deceased wife, the betrayal of those he had considered friends despite being warned not to trust them.
Being back in Rome is a trying time for Johannes Braun, Imperial Knight. And he doubts that he will make it through this time.