Mint condition.Hodder & Stoughton,2012.First UK edition-first printing.Black hardback(silver lettering to the spine) with Dj, both in mint condition.Illustrated with 2 b/w maps.441pp including Author's note,character list,glossary,succesion to the Scottish Throne,bibliography.Price un-clipped.Heavy book. This is another paragraph Book Description: King Edward of England marches on Scotland, his campaign to unite the British Isles under one crown inspired by an Arthurian prophecy. He has already crushed Wales; now he needs only to find the Staff of St Malachy, symbol of Irish nationhood, to achieve his implacable desire. One man alone can thwart Edward's plan. Leaving his war-torn home, Robert Bruce has sailed to Ireland, determined to find the Staff and keep it out of Edward's hands. His veins run with the blood of kings and his destiny to fulfil his family's claim to the throne of Scotland burns his mind. But on the run through the wild country, hunted by a relentless assassin, Robert seems a long way from achieving his ambition. And there are other eyes on Scotland's crown, old enemies gathering against him. This is a game of conquest, power and treachery, and Robert finds that to survive he must first abandon everything he holds dear. He was always prepared to die on the battlefield - but what else must he sacrifice to keep his hopes alive?