THIS TALE IS A work of fiction set against the backdrop of history. The characters, with few exceptions, are real and have their places in history. Many of the incidents depicted actually occurred; others, based on rumor and gossip, have no basis in historical fact. The chronology of events in the twelfth century often varies from chronicler to chronicler. In order to facilitate the pace of the story, I have taken my own liberties with dates, locations, and the nature of the event.