The time is the Middle Ages, a time of clashing arms, valiant knights, and intriguing castles.  Join Robert Fitz Hasseltine, a young nobleman of unchallenged character and the heir to his uncle’s vast earldom. Valiant, yet merciful, Robert’s steadfast determination to aid the weak brings him face to face with several individuals who urgently need his protective care—individuals who must throw themselves upon his compassion and rely on his strength to overcome their pasts and lead successful lives.

Yet the days are volatile, and danger lurks on the horizon. There are dangerous enemies who hate Robert’s steadfast character and ever-present mercy—enemies who would do anything to vanquish his compassion and shower their malice upon his cause. A thrilling adventure commences, coupling victory, peril, friendship, and rivalry. During his eventful journey from squire to knight to earl, Robert’s courage is strongly tested and his strength challenged. Will he be able to overcome the enemies that beset him and proclaim himself the undisputed lord of his shire? And, above all, will he abide true to his resolve and prove to be a kind, considerate master?

Join Robert and his steadfast friends, Brandon, Strephon, Nathaniel, and Narcissa, in their long journey of friendship and adventure, and experience the thrilling perils of life at Birmingham Castle!

A novel of adventure, suspense, friendship, and courage, as a young man embarks on a perilous journey to overcome tyranny and reform chivalry in medieval England.

....The minutes passed, yet neither combatant showed any sign of surrender. Their breathing became hard and hot, whilst their mailed feet tore the ground and their slashing sword echoed with metallic tenors throughout the surrounding hills and vales. War-cries rent the air from both sides of the spectators and quivering groans of failing strength burst from the lips of the contestants. Yet, still they battled on, grimly resolute and empowered with unnatural might. The end seemed as it would never come, then Sir Channing struck Sir Robert a sudden, heavy blow upon his left arm. Under the force of the blow, the shield swayed in Sir Robert’s hand and he half-staggered back, momentarily lowering his sword. Then, ere his courage could rise afresh and his shield be redressed, another, harder blow upon his shoulder sent him reeling back to the churned-up ground. Sir Channing uttered a shout of victorious triumph and raised his sword to make a full-end of his brave young opponent, whose prostrate position rendered him momentarily helpless. Yet, Sir Robert was not thus to perish. Ere the false knight could deal his last, fatal blow, a sudden shield was thrust betwixt him and Sir Robert, and a voice that rang with indignant passion rent the air. “Thou coward! Wilt thou strike a man when he is down?” As he spoke, Brandon fairly leapt upon Sir Channing, his sword clenched tightly in his uplifted hand. Startled by the squire’s sudden, powerful onslaught, Sir Channing was beaten back from over Sir Robert and forced to defend himself. So angered was Brandon by the coward’s blow that would have been struck his master that not even the knight’s fierce strength could subdue him. Back and still back he beat the man, until Sir Robert had arisen and was able to resume the fight. The instant Brandon saw that his master was well-up, he retreated, allowing his lord to resume his stand and prevail over his enemy....