The first cycle of a mythical historical series. Heinrich of Navarre needs armed men to conquer the kingdom and become Heinrich IV. To fend off various conspiracies—driven by hatred or envy—against him, he enlists the services of two German mercenaries. The story of Malefosse tells us about the exploits of these two mercenaries, Gunther and Master Pritz, who become the protagonists of this tale in tumultuous times. Dermaut and Bardet have brought the France of the 16th century back to life with an astonishing sense of representation and exquisite language. The spirit of the era, the internal power struggles, and the depiction of a contrasting and authentic France are portrayed realistically and brilliantly.