Nathan walks the dusty roads of Judea in the service of a king he despises. Attached to his belt is a very special sword taken from a Roman he defeated, a sword that will accompany him as he completes an historical mission for his king and his country. But the trophy sword and the commendations for his bravery and valor in combat are small recompense compared to the surprise he encounters as he stands guard over Procula, the wife of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Her desire to hear the young rabbi who was changing the hearts and minds of her countrymen led them both to a hillside where He was speaking. Both came away changed. For her it was the beginning of a trek that led to sainthood in the Eastern Orthodox Church. For him it was the beginning of an odyssey that would lead to the greatest gift a father could give his son. This historical novel about courage and honor, love and forgiveness, and searching and finding is just what our harsh and divided world needs today. It takes the reader back to a time when the world was in a similar state, but amidst all the conflict a path was found that is still the answer today. This story will warm your heart, excite your senses, and strengthen your faith. . Doug Fain's fourth novel ranks right up there with his award winning novel, The Phantom's Song that has the distinction of 20 years with a five star rating. Early comments from the editorial readers for A Sword and a Cross include: "By far your best book yet." "Best book I've ever read; it touched my heart." "Well researched and documented, taught me so much about that period in history." "Opened my eyes to things I had never imagined."