The first volume in the sweeping Conquest trilogy 1033, on the Norman-French border: It is thirty years before William, Duke of Normandy, sails to England and does battle at Hastings, but the events leading up to that epic moment are already taking shape. The twelve sons of Tancred de Hauteville are following in their father's footsteps. As knights, they have but one true purpose: to fight. But when they are denied service with their duke, they are forced to take employment as mercenaries, their unequalled battle skills for hire to the highest bidder. Victory and defeat, betrayal and revenge combine as the desperation to rule becomes an intense battle, testing even the strongest of ties. Through it all shines the loyalty of blood that binds families - and warriors - together. This is the epic story of a true band of brothers.