In the middle of the 13th century, the Mongol horde threaten the imperial city of Vienna when they unexpectedly halt their advance and return to their homeland. Their Khan Ogedei has been poisoned, triggering a succession battle that pits the evil usurper BATU and his brothers against TORGINA, the regent queen, and her Shaman TEB. Unfortunately Torgina's son and heir GUYUK has mysteriously disappeared during the return, leaving his mother alone and vulnerable.

 

Back in the west, warrior monk CARPINI has recovered from being poisoned by a rival and is recalled into the service of POPE INNOCENT IV. He is sent on a mission to the Mongol court both to find out more about this new deadly enemy and to deal with a traitor monk who is sending intelligence to the Pope's political nemesis FREDERICK, The Holy Roman Emperor.

Carpini is accompanied on his mission by STEPHEN, a young companion monk, who succumbs to the charms of Constantinople concubine and Buddhist teacher PASHMINA. A hazardous journey and character-forming experiences await this party of three road buddies.