Book Description

During the Crusades, a family is displaced.Fielo, the father, his wife, Elizabeth, and young sons; Erik, Andre and Paul must leave. They lead aherd of horses east to find a home in the forest Fie had visited long ago. Fielo instructs his sons and friends in archery. Skill with bow and arrow is paramount for survival. The young people learn the craft of making equipment from materials found in the forest. Popularity of archery increases after Erik impresses villagers at a local contest. Skill in archery improves to a level previously unsurpassed. The Fifth Crusade was to be fought in Egypt. Nobles were required to provide many soldiers. As a result, bandits roam freely. With the homeland unprotected, Lord Randolph enlists The Order of the Arrow to train as squires if they agree to defend his castle. Under tutelage of five knights they gain skill in weaponry, horsemanship, military tactics and social graces. Archery, the primary defense from the castle walls is practiced by all. Hebron, a Comandeor of previous wars sees the countryside ripe for plucking and moves to increase his holdings.He enlists bandit chiefs to train an army of over two-thousand. With the promise of plunder, they pillage the land, moving ever nearer the forest region. Erik leads a band of raiders against them. They hide in the forest they attack Hebrons army as it lays siege to the castle. Numerous ambushes distract Hebron and he sends men to deal with the raiders. Erik is driven farther into the forest. Their friends, Tierra and Madelyn risk their lives to assist Erik but are captured.Another threat is Lockner who is moving toward them from the west to reinforce Hebron. Desperate measures are needed or the region will fall under Hebrons control.