Here is the untold story that underlies the oft-told tale of the famous Magi and their brethren.

It is not the story most people know, but it is informed by archaeology and the ancient writers of the historic era of the Magi.

When the story unfolds, the seeds of war have already been sown between the the Parthians and the Romans. The powerful and mystical Magi have also shown they are a magical power to be reckoned with, and because of this, King Herod is ready for war.

Mixed into this tale of intrigue and mass murder, there is one man who can bring peace. His name is Manaen. Far from being a warrior, he is a man with a clear mind. But he also possesses a serious physical deformity - clubfoot.

He must therefore summon the natural force within himself – the power of peace.

Manaen also faces another challenge - and this, in part, is the amazing love story that is woven into the historical account of the men who brought new meaning into the pageant of Christmas.

This story has been told and re-told for generations, but often the story has been mythologized, leaving out the historical underpinnings which make it more interesting and more factual. Kenneth Morgan has spent many years researching the ancient magi tale and digging deep to find out what was true and what was not.