It is 1213 and an English army is crossing the channel to fight Phillip
of France. Amongst the soldiers are Alan Dale and Little John plus
their leader the Earl of Locksley. They manage to destroy Phillip’s
invasion fleet, but upon returning they learn that Locksley’s castle has
been attacked.
While Locksley is preoccupied with his issues, Dale is occupied with a
promise he had made to assassinate King John. How could he do it and
survive?
Locksley hears from his son that his wife had irritated the sheriff
while he was away. It is possible that the sheriff is behind the attack
on the Locksley castle. The sheriff next threatens Dale, and his son.
Can Alan protect his son and still assassinate the king?
Unfortunately the king imprisons Alan. He is released only because
Locksley agrees to help King John try to win back his lands in France.
However, John still needs more money to fight his war, but no one has
anything to give him. The Sheriff of Nottingham bleeds the county dry,
and takes Alan’s son, Robert, prisoner to force Alan to pay money he
doesn’t have. Will Alan come back from France a rich man and be able to
free Robert?
The ensuing loss to the French would be costly for the English and King
John more so as it would lead directly to the English barons rising up
against his terrible rule and thus the imposition of the Magna Carta on
him. No man, including the king was above the law.
Author Angus Donald’s historical novel is full of action and treachery. It is an exciting read, hard to put down.
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