Structure

The book opens with a Prologue that gives an overview of the duel.

The main body of the story line is in chronological order, but Jager inserted many historical facts throughout. For example, when describing the traditions of the duel, Jager also provides history going back centuries to explain why duels were an accepted part of the judicial process. There are also passages that describe settings and situations of that time frame, such as lengthy descriptions of Paris.

Chapters 1-6 are in Part One of the novel, and Chapters 7-10 are in Part Two. These sections do not have a title, but each opens with an image. The image at the opening of Part One shows warriors scaling a castle wall. The image at the beginning of Part Two shows men and women in an observation stand while men prepare for a duel. Each chapter is identified...