An inquisitive twelve-year-old merchant's son named Andrew from ninth-century Italy sets sail with his father on his first voyage to Constantinople, queen of cities and marketplace of the world. Join Andrew and his father as they sail across the vast Mediterranean Sea aboard a lone merchant vessel, with only their wits and faith to keep them alive. Hear about mercy, loyalty, and courage as you walk the streets of ancient Constantinople. Journey through the enchanting lands of Byzantium as they once were centuries ago, in a world of beautiful art and simple devotion when hardship was matched only by people's compassion. Unexpected encounters with pirates and the imperial navy threaten to prevent their safe return home, where their loved ones wait in agonizing silence. Andrew meets men of great generosity who show him that real value in life cannot be purchased. This fictional story of life and hope relates the history of the period while showing how the church preserved justice and civilization in a dark time.