some 6 years have elapsed since Jeremi was elected king in this third book of speculative history in the Korybut Chronicles. And although things look peaceful, Jeremi, Jurko and Gryzelda must guard against the aggression of the Russians, the expansionism of the Ottomans, and the diplomatic rapacity of Mazarin of France.
A sequel to 'Ironfist and the Falcon' in which Jeremi Korybut Wisniowiecki is now a candidate for the crown and Jurko and Helena helping him to make a memorable contribution to politics. Jeremi wants reform, Jurko wants a bridge, Helena wants Jurko, and Karol Gustaw Waza wants it all and he wants it now. One of them is going to be disappointed. Military language.
Does not need familiarity with canon: Pre 'With Fire and the Sword', before Helena was scared by Jurko's black rages, and still finds his stories exciting and before she was so cowed, and a chance-heard remark causes her to turn to him for aid. A letter to Jeremi Wisniowiecki sets off a series of events which change history... an alternate history based on what might have been.