"On the eve of Spain's September Revolution of 1868, while the regal Isabella consorts with her household cavalry and rumours and plots abound, Jaime Astarloa, master of the ancient art of fencing, conducts his life above such vulgarities. However, even Don Jaime finds his attention diverted by the arrival at his door of the mysterious, beautiful young Adela de Otero, who persuades him to take her on as a pupil. After one bout that leaves no question of her talent and skill, the master falls in love with his pupil. Erotic passion and political intrigue threaten to distract him from his quest for the perfect sword thrust, even as he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that, a survivor of a more gallant age, he does not fully comprehend. But if Don Jaime proves naive, he is no less resolute. It takes time for him to understand, but when he does, and when all his illusions are shattered, will he have the strength left for a duel which can only be to the death? "--BOOK JACKET.