First published in 1998, Guy Gavriel Kay’s Sailing to Sarantium is the first book in The Sarantine Mosaic duology. The setting of the novel, based on the Mediterranean world in the sixth century, alludes to the future conflict between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Ostrogothic kingdom of Italy that had replaced the Western Roman Empire. Kay’s work incorporates magical realism, political intrigue, religious themes, existential crises, and detailed, historically accurate descriptions of art and sport alike into the story of one man’s attempts to recover from his grief and achieve artistic greatness worthy of an immortal legacy.

Plot Summary

In the heart of the Sarantine Empire, the Emperor has died without leaving an heir. In the scramble to claim the throne before the strategoi (military leaders) return from the borders, the varied political elements scheme. Through careful manipulation, timing, and assassination, Petrus of Trakesia manages to secure the throne for his uncle, Valerius. Years later, Petrus succeeds his uncle, ascending as Emperor Valerius II. Valerius II is intent on rebuilding and decorating the Great Sanctuary using only the very best artisans. He is also quietly considering how to reclaim Rhodias to reunite the full breadth of the original Rhodian Empire under his own rule.

Caius “Crispin” Crispus, a temperamental grieving widower, is compelled to take the place of his business partner and accept an imperial invitation to go to Sarantium and assist in the beautification of the Great Sanctuary. The decision is made for him when Queen Gisel of the Antae and Batiara kidnaps him and asks him to deliver a dangerous message to the Emperor himself—an offer of marriage. This bold political maneuver designed to save the young queen from assassination and her country from unnecessary war is not without its issues. Namely, the Emperor is happily married. Bearing this message will put Crispin in mortal danger within the imperial court, but he has no choice but to agree.

Before setting out on his journey, the mosaicist meets with the local alchemist and is given a mechanical bird which houses a human soul, Linon. He communicates with the unique creation telepathically, avoiding several dangers through her counsel. He stops at an inn and meets Kasia, a slave who has been chosen as a human sacrifice to the local pagan deity on the Day of the Dead. Unable to refuse her plea for help, Crispin makes a plan to free her. Through his manipulations, Kasia leaves the town, but danger still lurks. Vargos, Crispin’s hired servant, is impressed by the courage Crispin has demonstrated in rescuing the named sacrifice and chooses to continue serving Crispin despite the risk to his own safety.

The townspeople follow the three, intent on murdering the men and forcing Kasia into a brutal ritualized killing. They are stopped by a zubir, an animal avatar of the pagan god, but the three travelers are forced to follow the creature in a daze to the killing ground. Instead of the expected death by bison, Linon insists that she be given to the zubir instead, revealing that she had once been one of his sacrifices. Crispin, Kasia, and Vargos are spared, but the interaction with the god has shaken them to their very cores—and brought up the question of faith in their god, Jad.

On their way to the city, they encounter Carullus, a tribute in the Sarantine army. After foul language leads to a physical altercation, Carullus and Crispin manage to make friends. Crispin frees Kasia, Vargos is released from his contract, and Carullus insists on accompanying them to the City. Once in Sarantium, the dangers are less apparent but no less prevalent. After Crispin finds himself accepted into the imperial court with unusual speed, the brilliant Emperor and his equally cunning Empress reveal that they are already aware of Gisel’s offer. Crispin finds himself with unknown enemies and allies in the palace of the Emperor. His penchant for honesty and firm opinions lead to political issues, two firings, and multiple attempts on his life.

Through his uncommon experiences and newfound relationships, Crispin discovers his will to live and a deeper understanding of the complexities and paradoxes of life. With this newfound comprehension, he resolves to cement his legacy through completing his greatest work, a massive mosaic both extolling and rebuking the varied aspects of life.