Help me find this book

Once upon a time, I read a book called “The Adventurer”. It was historical fiction about the life and travels of Marco Polo. Searches on various online services have proved fruitless, so I’ll ask you folks. Even the name of the author would help.

Details about the book I remember:

  • Marco came very close to being executed near the beginning.
  • Somewhere near the beginning of his travels, Marco and family pick up a slave who went by Nostril, so named because the septum of his nose was cut out as punishment for doing something utterly disgusting. I can’t remember exactly what, but I think it involved a horse.
  • Lots of sex and violence.
  • Sexy: Three-ways between Marco and two of his servant girls in Mongolia
  • Violent: The Death of a Thousand. If you read the book, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

I remember a lot more about the book, and it was a rather thick paperback.

Little help here please?

You’re talking about Journeyer by Gary Jennings. What do I win?

Dang, that was fast. I’ll put you in for the Mangeorge Award for Meritorious Duty in the Fight Against Ignorance. Or I can send you a half-empty bag of Jelly Bellys.