Westminster, 1184-- in the court of King Henry,
playful competition is about to turn into something far
more serious. Young courtier Fulke FitzWarin would not be
an obvious companion for Prince John, but the boy from the
Welsh Marches is there as a reward for his family's
loyalty to the crown. The FitzWarins are as proud as they
are true, and when Fulke is accused by John of cheating
during a game of chess, he cannot help but respond. Thus
begins a bitter rivalry that will resonate throughout
their lives.
The FitzWarins dream of reclaiming
their family estate and title, Lords of the White Castle.
After this quarrel with Fulke, however, John's
vindictiveness leads to Fulke renouncing his allegiance
and becoming a rebel outlaw.
In romance, too, Fulke
is no closer to fulfilling his heart's desire. A youthful
dalliance means nothing compared to his love for the
spirited Maude le Vavasour, but marriage in medieval
England is more about alliance than about love, and Fulke
can only watch helplessly as Maude's father arranges a
more suitable match. After all, what can Fulke offer Maude
apart from a lifetime on the run....
With all the
intrigue and pageantry that bring the twelfth century
vividly to life, this award-winning novelist spins us an
irresistible tale of a deadly rivalry and an impossible
love.
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