From the relatively safe perspective of old age, Sir Roger Shallot recounts with a true connoisseur's appreciation the corruption, deceit, and scandal of Tudor England.In 1522, the rogue Roger Shallot and his sober-sided master Benjamin Daunbey, nephew of Thomas Wolsey, are enjoying the fruits of their success in the service of the great cardinal, when they are sent for once again. Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, has been arrested for treason, and Benjamin and Roger are made to witness his bloody execution on Tower Hill. The true reason for Buckingham's demise soon becomes apparent: he was searching for two precious relics - the Grail, the cup Christ used at the Last Supper, and Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur.Benjamin and Shallot, accompanied by the leaders of Henry's dreaded secret service, are ordered to find these relics for the king. Read Less