Squire Roland Inness must follow Sir Roger to sea, for King Richard has sworn to recapture Jerusalem for Christendom. The second book in Grant's series sends readers off on crusade ... but also keeps us attuned to the goings-on in England, for Sir Roger's daughter Millicent is quickly embroiled in the intrigues of power-hungry nobles.
Moors and Berbers. Siege and slaughter. Greed and deceit. Scouts and spies. This installment seems to have made a man of Roland, for he proves his worth. As do Tuck ... and Robin (not yet Hood). War is a grim business, and Grant shows several of its inglorious realities: filth, starvation, cruelty, loss, imprisonment, enslavement, disillusionment, and ultimate futility. But the overall tone of the story is upbeat, with Sir Roger's feelings echoed by all. A loyal knight does his duty to his king, but far better to be home.