Winter, 1361: After two decades of conflict, Edward III has finally
agreed a treaty with the captive French King, John II. In return for his
freedom, John has ceeded vast tracts of territory to the English. But
for five long years mercenary bands and belligerent lords have fought
over the carcass of his kingdom. They will not give up their hard-won
spoils to honor a defeated king's promises. If the English want their
prize, they'll have to fight for it. As he battles to enforce Edward's
claim, Thomas Blackstone will see his name blackened, his men
slaughtered, his family hunted. He will be betrayed and, once again,
he'll face the might of the French army on the field. But this time
there will be no English army at his back. He'll face the French alone.