Already a seasoned veteran of King Edward's army, young Thomas of Hookton possesses the fearlessness of a born leader and an uncanny prowess with the longbow. Now, at the head of a small but able band of soldiers, he has been dispatched to capture the castle of Astarac. But more than duty to his liege has brought him to Gascony, home of his forebears and the hated black knight who brutally slew Thomas's father. It is also the last place where the Holy Grail was reported seen. Here, also, a beautiful and innocent, if not pious, woman is to be burned as a heretic. Saving the lady, Genevieve, from her dread fate will brand Thomas an infidel, forcing them to flee together across a landscape of blood and fire. And what looms ahead is a battle to the death that could ultimately shape the future of Christendom.

Published
October 7, 2003
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Author

Bernard Cornwell

Bernard Cornwell’s name is synonymous with sweeping historical epics, where battles are not just fought on the page, but also fought for the hearts and minds of his readers. With a talent for bringing history’s most dramatic moments to life, Cornwell crafts stories that resonate beyond the battlefield. His books blend grit, passion, and authenticity, drawing readers into vividly imagined worlds where the stakes are as high as human history itself. Born in London in 1944, Cornwell’s early years were shaped by a love of history and a sense of adventure. After spending time in England and the United States, his diverse experiences ignited his…