Excerpt from The Brotherhood of Book Hunters by Raphael Jerusalmy, plus links to reviews, author biography & more

His fist clenched over the handle of his crozier, Chartier frowned and glared at François, who immediately felt a tightness in his throat at the point where they placed the rope. Although Colin had been watching the German for months, he still had not been able to discover where Fust acquired the books the crown needed in order to achieve its ends. Chartier was within his rights to demand an explanation. The agreement reached with Fust clearly stipulated that the granting of patents and privileges to his printing works went hand in glove with the publication of rare and influential writings, to which he so mysteriously had access.

A fragile silence now hovered over the room. Fust knew perfectly well what the bishop was expecting of him but he had to follow his instructions to the letter. His superiors had not authorized him to negotiate further. Even though a possible alliance with the King of France was an unexpected godsend, they seemed reluctant to commit themselves. Paris had to remain unaware of what was truly at stake in their actions, or years of preparation would be put at risk.

The old printer turned his ring nervously. The golden dragon plunged beneath his finger in search of the ruby cabochon, then reappeared, its claws digging into the bright red stone, as if sucking its blood.

"I have informed my patrons of your demands," he said at last. "They are honored by the interest you have shown in them. And somewhat intimidated…"

Guillaume Chartier was surprised to discover that, like him, Fust was only an intermediary. But he forbade himself from uttering reassurances as to the intentions of the crown. Louis XI owed the deference shown him by Fust's mysterious masters to the fear he inspired in them, and that was all to the good.

"In order not to offend His Majesty, they are ready to receive an envoy."

"Where and when?"

"The date is up to you, monsignor. The place is not at all near."

"No matter. We will supply good mounts."

"I fear that will not be necessary. The Holy Land is a lot easier to reach by sea than by land."

The bishop gave a start, which he suppressed. Then, with ecclesiastical calm, he turned slowly to François. "Do you have sea legs, Villon?"

Excerpted from The Brotherhood of Book Hunters by Raphael Jerusalmy. Copyright © 2014 by Raphael Jeruslamy. Excerpted by permission of Europa Editions. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.