Global bestselling author of River God, Wilbur Smith, returns with a brand-new Ancient Egyptian epic.A civilisation on the brink. A band of bloodthirsty outlaws who will stop a nothing to get what they want. And a mission for the very heart of Egypt itself. For over fifty years Egypt has known nothing but war and devastation at the hands of the Hyksos, a bloodthirsty barbarian people from the distant east. After first moving into Sina and to the fringes of the Nile, soon this band of unruly outlaws developed designs on Egypt herself, advancing and crushing armies in their wake. Times are desperate, but throughout the conflict, a brave resistance fights on under the great Taita, a slave who has risen far beyond his ranks to help guide the very destiny of Egypt. Piay has grown up with Taita as his master, entrusted into his care by his parents at the age of just 5, and trained up to become a great spy, unmatched by any other. But living a life of luxury with the finest jewel encrusted robes and an abundance of food and wine has led to Piay becoming entitled and reckless. When he loses a group of men to brutal death at the hands of the Hyksos, Taita sets him a task, designed to prove his worth. Sent to find allies to help defend their Kingdom, and prevent the Hyksos from taking Thebes, Piay embarks on a dangerous mission to the lands in the north - to Mycenae and through the heart of Hyksos land and across the great sea, through pirate infested waters. As the situation becomes increasingly precarious, and Piay's life, as well as the fate of Egypt, are hanging in the balance, can Piay succeed in his mission - or will this mean the end of the glory that is Egypt once and for all?