[Clarenceux Trilogy 03] • The Final Sacrament

September 1566. William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms, is living quietly with his family in London. In his possession is a document that could destroy the state. He hopes that his enemies have given up trying to find it. But the aged Lady Percy, the Countess of Northumberland, has not. Nor has she forgotten how he betrayed her and the Catholic cause. She has spent the last two years planning her revenge.

The eloquent and adventurous courtier, John Greystoke suddenly seems most concerned for Clarenceux's safety. And on behalf of the government, Francis Walsingham too has an eye on Clarenceux, with spies watching his house day and night.

Then Clarenceux's wife and one of his daughters go missing.

In the terror that ensues, Clarenceux finds himself on the run with his other young daughter, hunted by Lady Percy's agents. The queen's secretary, Sir William Cecil, offers no help, telling him simply to bring the matter of the document to a final conclusion, even if it should cost him his life. Clarenceux knows he must finally destroy the document - but how can he, until he has renuited his family?