The thrilling third instalment in the epic LIONHEART series from
Sunday Times Bestselling author, Ben Kane.
**
Warleader**
Autumn 1192. With Jerusalem still in the Saracens' hands, and a peace
treaty agreed with their leader Saladin, Richard the Lionheart is free
at last to travel back to his strife-ridden kingdom. By his side at
every turn is the loyal knight Ferdia, also known as Rufus. Together
they will face not just Richard's archenemy Philippe Capet of France,
but also the king's treacherous younger brother, John.
Captive
Shipwrecked on the Italian coast, the king and his small group of
companions are forced into a perilous journey through lands controlled
by their enemies. Shortly before Christmas 1192, Richard is taken
prisoner near Vienna by Duke Leopold of Austria. Kept prisoner for
several months, the king is then handed over to Henry VI, the Holy Roman
Emperor. His captivity lasts for another year, fanning the flames of
unrest in his territories in England and beyond.
Negotiator
Talks between Richard's mother Queen Alienor and Henry VI last for
months, but finally reach a bitter agreement. The extortionate sum
demanded to free the king will empty the treasury and bleed England dry.
Philippe Capet and Richard's brother John collude, offering vast sums to
see the king kept captive for longer. Their efforts are in vain, leading
Philippe to pen a letter to John including the famous line: 'Look to
yourself, the devil is loose.'
King
Crowned for a second time to wash away the shame of his captivity,
Richard restores order in England, forgiving John his shameful
behaviour. His next task is to recover territories lost to Philippe
Capet, and to re-establish his dominance over the French king. Forging
clever alliances, building strategic castles and when obliged, waging
war, the Lionheart carves a unique path into history.
