The sign over the door reads “Book Shop Proprietor T. Dearing” in large gold letters. For those who can read, this is a place of insight, knowledge, and power. For all others going about their daily business, this shop holds mysteries and evil ideas best avoided at all costs.

The shop on London Bridge Tam inherited from his father, Giles, who received the land on which the bookshop now stands, from Henry V, for honorable service during the battle of Agincourt. Tam is a content man who enjoys living in the company of the books so dear to his heart.

One day an unexplained package arrives from France containing a copy of “The Cambria Homily”, written by Augustinian Monks in the early eighth century on the island of Skellig Michael off the Irish coast. Cautiously he opens the Illumination and finds a message personally addressed to him, “May You Find Honor Lost.” Tam sets out to uncover the mystery of who sent the book and what is meant by honor lost. 

Tam travels with a group of Franciscan Monks and Pilgrims for it is unwise to travel alone for fear of being robbed and killed by bandits who prowl the road to Calais. On his quest for truth he learns about unconditional love in the face of abject poverty and cruelty beyond.