Fictionalizes the life of William Marshal, who is appointed tutor to Prince Henry, heir to the throne, after he rescues the queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, but William quickly learns of the dangers that are attached to his reward.

The story of young Ida de Tosney, mistress to King Henry II, and Roger Bigod, the lord she chose to marry.

Privileged daughter of William Marshal, Mahelt marries Hugh Bigod, heir to the earldom of Norfolk. But when King John sets out to subdue the Bigods, Mahelt faces the worst alone, knowing neither she, nor her marriage, are likely to survive.

Bound by deep loyalties to the House of Anjou, William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, stands by the despotic King John as he is driven out of his hereditary lands on the continent by Philippe of France and is compelled to yield to the demands of the Barons at Runnymead in 1215. England is divided. Repudiating Magna Carta, John's disastrous reign reaches its climax as he loses his Crown and Treasure in the Wash and dies at Newark, leaving his nine year-old...

William Marshal was born in a time of civil war. In a time of bloodshed and honor. As a boy he is used as a pawn, during the conflict between Stephen and Matilda. But as a young man he trains as a knight. Marshal learns his trade in England and Normandy, fighting in tournaments and war-games, gaining friends and enemies alike. But the boy must become a man - and the squire must become a knight. Marshal soon finds himself embroiled in the campaigns...