The Sarantine Mosaic

"The Sarantine Mosaic" is a historical fantasy duology by Guy Gavriel Kay, comprising "Sailing to Sarantium" and "Lord of Emperors". The titles of the novels are an allusion to poet W.B. Yeats.

The story's setting is based on the 6th century Mediterranean world, and the looming conflict between the Byzantine Empire and the Ostrogothic kingdom of Italy. The novels "The Lions of Al-Rassan" and "The Last Light of the Sun" also take place in that unnamed world, although in different settings. In the series we are also briefly acquainted with the character Ashar ibn Ashar, who is the creator of the Asharite religion seen in "The Lions of Al-Rassan".

ailing to Sarantium

"Sailing to Sarantium", the first novel in the saga, was published in 1998. In this novel, mosaicist Caius Crispus ("Crispin") is summoned to the great metropolis of Sarantium to create a mosaic for Emperor Valerius II, (modelled on Byzantine emperor Justinian I). The narration follows his travels to the city, and his compelled entrance into the politics of Sarantium.

Lord of Emperors

"Lord of Emperors" was published in 2000. The story continues from "Sailing to Sarantium" and tells of what happens to Crispin after his arrival in the city of Sarantium. We are also introduced to Rustem of Kerakek, a physician from Bassania, who has also journeyed to the city, finding himself entangled in political intrigue.

References

* [http://www.brightweavings.com/books/sarantine.htm The Sarantine Mosaic at Guy Gavriel Kay's Authorized Website.]