In the Caucasus mountains around 950 AD, two wandering adventurers live by their wits as tricksters and swords for hire. Until, following a bloody coup in the Jewish kingdom of the Khazars, they get dragooned into a fugitive prince"s campaign to reclaim his throne. In this exhilarating tale of daring deeds, passion and friendship, Michael Chabon breathes fresh life - and winning humour - into the fables of old and delivers an irresistible novel.