Warlord

King Richard has returned to England and retaken the throne from his treacherous younger brother, John.  Now, in Normandy, he has John at his mercy.  Will he execute him or show him mercy?

Shortly after the aforementioned meeting, Alan Dale has volunteered to lead a small force into the besieged city of Verneuil in advance of Richard's attack on the besiegers.  Will his brave little band of soldiers make it through the French army or will it all be in vain?  Fortunately most do make it through the gates, but Alan loses his second in command and a quarter of his force.   Now inside, can they hold off the might of the French army before Richard arrives with his army?

Following a skirmish with the French, Alan has time to visit with the castle's priest, who knew his father.  He finds out how his father was unjustly accused of theft and forced to leave Paris.  Now he has a hankering to find out more.  Richard brings relief to the castle, and at that point decides to split his army into three.  One to look after the north, one the centre and the third part, which he would take to Aquitaine, including Robin of Locksley and Alan, who he would not allow to go off on his own venture.  Sadly, the priest was killed by some unknown person.  Later, a cardinal that could possibly give Alan more information on his father is killed in the same manner.  Does someone not want Alan to find out about his father's past?

Alan is informed by Richard, when he requests leave to visit Paris, that it was Robin who suggested haste in killing Murdac earlier.  Could Robin be the man stopping Alan from finding out about his father?  Will Alan find what he is looking for in Paris?

In Paris, Alan and his squire are attacked, but manage to survive.  But, why the attack, and who were the attackers?   Could they be Templars?  What more trouble can Alan manage to get into in Paris?  Will he get his questions answered and find the man responsible for his father's death?   Much more action will come for this young man in the ensuing months.

Author Angus Donald has written an intriguing historical novel based on fact, full of real medieval battles, which were fought between the King of France and the King of England.  A very good read.