It is the late thirteenth century, and King Edward of England marches on Scotland intent on conquest, his campaign to unite the British Isles under one crown inspired by an Arthurian prophecy. He has already crushed Wales; now he need only find the staff of St. Malachy, the symbol of Irish nationhood, to achieve his hearts desire. Only one man can thwart Edwards ambition. Leaving his war-torn kingdom, Robert the Bruce sails to Ireland, determined to find the staff and keep it out of Edwards hands. In his veins runs the blood of kings, and his destiny to realize his familys claim to the throne of Scotland remains at the forefront of his mind. But fate conspires against him. On the run through the wild country, hunted by a relentless assassin, Roberts aim could not be further from fruition. This is a game of conquest, power and treachery; to survive, he must abandon everything he holds dear. He was always prepared to die on the battlefieldbut what else must he sacrifice to keep his hopes alive?