Roger II inherits his father’s position as ruler of Sicily and begins to take over parts of Southern Italy as well.  Along the way a daring plan leads Norman knights out of a desperate situation, and a Crusader king proposes marriage.  Norman state-building in Sicily takes on a unique character, and Norman knights fight armies led by the Pope.  When two popes are elected on the same day, Roger II must choose which Pope he will support in exchange for a crown.