A forgotten vow. A hunted heir. A century-old secret hidden in the heart of medieval Europe.
The year is 1307. As flames consume the Knights Templar in Paris under the ruthless alliance of Pope Clement V and King Philip IV, the last Grand Master Jacques de Molay hurls a final curse at his persecutors. But beyond the curse lies a hidden promise: the sacred truth of the Order will not perish in the ashes. Bound within an unassuming tome known as the Book of Bertrand—compiled by a devoted monk—lies not gold or magical relics, but priceless ancient wisdom gathered from Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, and Muslim scholars of the East.
Decades later, in the damp Sázava river valley of Bohemia, young Zachariah uncovers the dark truth of his lineage. His great-grandfather Étienne was no ordinary soldier, but a Templar knight who fled the French pyres in 1312, leaving behind a coded trail of ciphers, symbols, and blood-red wax. Joined by Eliška, a fugitive carrying a stolen, encrypted Templar manuscript from the powerful Rosenberg court, Zachariah is thrust into a perilous race against time and ruthless enemies.
From the imposing towers of Zvíkov Castle and the subterranean vaults of Čejkovice to the foggy canals of Venice, the limestone catacombs of Malta, and the ancient crypts of Moravia, Zachariah and Eliška unravel a conspiracy spanning continents. Tracked by the relentless agents of Peter of Rosenberg and the fanatic Oldřich of Říčany—who will stop at nothing to burn the truth—they must unlock the mystery of the three lost books of Bertrand.
Book of Bertrand is an atmospheric, suspenseful historical fiction novel that merges true medieval history with speculative adventure, philosophical depth, and relentless action. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Bernard Cornwell, and rich medieval mystery sagas.
249 Kč
The truth was never meant to be buried. It was meant to be remembered.
In October 1307, the night sky over Paris burned with the destruction of the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon. Accused of heresy, blasphemy, and dark treason, the Templars were hunted down, imprisoned, and sent to the pyres. Yet, as Grand Master Jacques de Molay faced his executioners, the true legacy of the Order was already being smuggled into the shadows. It was not a chest of gold or a legendary relic, but the culmination of centuries of human understanding: the Book of Bertrand.
Compiled by Brother Bertrand, the manuscript contained advanced teachings on medicine, herbology, celestial navigation, geometry, and the harmony of body and soul—knowledge capable of lifting kingdoms from darkness and shielding populations from plague. Scattering across Europe like seeds on the wind, a chosen few survived to guard the light.
Twenty-eight years later, in the quiet, mist-shrouded Sázava valley of Bohemia, that ancient obligation falls upon Zachariah. Raised by a quiet estate steward, Zachariah’s peaceful life shatters when his dying father reveals their true heritage. He is the direct heir of Étienne de Mirecourt, a legendary Templar warrior-monk who fled to Bohemia in 1312.
Before Zachariah can process the revelation, a desperate girl named Eliška arrives at an abandoned Sázava chapel. Fleeing the court of Peter I of Rosenberg, she carries a stolen manuscript sealed with the Templar mark—a document encrypted in forgotten medieval ciphers. Together, they embark on a dangerous odyssey across 14th-century Europe to uncover the remaining volumes of Bertrand’s legacy before their pursuers destroy them forever.
Their quest takes them through a brilliantly rendered medieval landscape:
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The Bohemian Strongholds: Deep into the rocky vaults of Zvíkov, the ancient Benedictine roots of Třebíč, and the dark catacombs beneath Petrov in Brno.
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The Underground of Čejkovice: Deciphering secret codes hidden within ancient Moravian vineyards and subterranean crypts.
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Venice & Malta: Navigating foggy Italian canals, the silent stone corridors of Mdina, and the breathtaking cliffs of Dingli.
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The Cypriot Harbors: Uncovering hidden texts in the shadows of Famagusta and Larnaca.
Yet every step forward brings deadly danger. Behind them come two opposing forces: Lord Rosenberg’s mercenary riders seeking power and leverage, and Oldřich of Říčany, a ruthless fanatic dispatched to eradicate any knowledge threatening the dogmas of the Church. Guided by Ctibor of Borotín—an old knight bound by ancient honor—Zachariah and Eliška discover that the true battle is not fought with swords alone, but with the mind, conscience, and faith.
Written with rich historical atmosphere, deep philosophical resonance, and captivating tension, Book of Bertrand by Pavel Hrejsemnou is an unforgettable tale of survival, hidden ciphers, and the enduring power of truth.
Technical Information
- Title: Book of Bertrand: Templar Secrets & Bohemian Mysteries (Original: Sága o templářích v Čechách – Zpověď templařova dědice)
- Author: Pavel Hrejsemnou
- Publisher: IDEAIFY s.r.o., Kutná Hora
- Year of Publication: 2026
- Format: Digital (PDF / ePub)
- Page Count: 190 pages (A5 format equivalent)
- Language: English
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Military History
- ISBN (PDF): 978-80-88523-38-3
- ISBN (ePub): 978-80-88523-39-0
