Having lost his post as Lord Chamberlain, John goes into exile aboard a slow ship. Is a mysterious passenger on the ship an assassin or spy sent by the Emperor? Back in Constantinople, Felix, Captain of the Guard, has the task of recovering a stolen holy relic, the shroud of the Virgin Mary.
I'd forgotten who some of the characters were since I read the previous book. Still, it was a fun ride, even if Felix's flailing about did get exasperating.