Saracen and a scholar - there couldn't be two more dangerous pastimes for a woman as the fervour of the Inquisition grips Europe. Barcelona, 1492. A scholar lies dying in a spice merchant's stable when Nadira receives his last words. To Nadira, words are her life. Sold into slavery as a girl, her unusual gift of language keep her employed as her master's scribe. Now, the words that have long been her solace have put her in mortal danger. The dying scholar speaks of an ancient text, the Hermetica, that promises its readers the secrets of the magi of ancient Babylon. Hungry for power, the dark architects of the Inquisition will stop at nothing to find the Hermetica and to use it to solidify their position. At a time when faith is valued and knowledge is dangerous, Nadira emerges as one of the few who can unlock the mysteries within the pages of the Hermetica. Soon she is the unwilling companion to an English baron and his troupe of warriors as they traverse Europe in search of the manuscript, and revenge. As Nadira begins her transformation from servant to sorceress, will she escape the fires of the Inquisition, the clutches of the Borgia pope, and the ambitions of a French king? The Servant Girl's Secret is the first book of an enthralling historical fantasy series by Annmarie Banks. Set in medieval Europe, it is a twisty tale of adventure and mysticism, and will appeal to readers of Noah Gordon and Kate Mosse. Note: Originally published as "The Hermetica of Elysium."