A Journal of the Crusades. Roger, Duke of Lunel is seeking atonement for past sins. But while undertaking the sacred commitment of an 'armed pilgrimage' he is nevertheless plagued by guilt and religious doubt which he cannot altogether leave behind. The holy crusade on which he now embarks soon degenerates into a violent campaign fought in heat and dust and dogged by betrayal, deceit and greed. Much more likely to die of disease and exposure than at the hands of their enemy, the Turks, the crusaders become more concerned with personal gain than with the capture of the holy city of Jerusalem.