A thrilling tale of intrigue and civil war in twelfth-century England, by the New York Times-bestselling author of the Mistress of the Art of Death series.
England, 1141. The countryside is devastated by a long civil war as the English king, Stephen, and his cousin, the Empress Matilda, battle for the crown....
Emma is the eleven-year-old redheaded daughter of a peasant family. When mercenaries pass through their town, they bring with them a monk with a deadly interest in young redheaded girls. Emma is left for dead in a burned-out church until Gwil, an archer, finds her by chance. Gwil takes Emma with him, dressing her as a boy to avoid attention. Emma becomes Penda-and Penda turns out to have a killer instinct with a bow and arrow.
Maud is the fifteen-year-old chatelaine of Kenniford, a small but strategically important castle she's determined to protect. But when Maud provides refuge for the empress, Stephen's armies lay siege to Kenniford Castle. Aided by a garrison of mercenaries-including Gwil and his odd, redheaded apprentice-they must survive a long winter under siege. It's a brutal season that brings everyone to Kenniford-including the sinister monk who has never stopped hunting the redheaded girl....
"Seizes you from the first page... and doesn't let go!"-Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Chalice
"Enthralling.... A grand yet intimate historical adventure." - Library Journal
"Highlighted by solid characterization of historical and fictional figures alike, the authors' research on day-to-day medieval life shines.... This thoroughly captivating tale was begun by celebrated historical novelist Franklin, who died before its completion, and completed seamlessly by her journalist daughter, Norman." - Kirkus Reviews