Siege (The Crusader Series Book 4)

1215. King John Signs the Magna Carta in an unconditional submission to a group of rebel barons. The Pope declares it illegal. During the ensuing First Baron War, King John dies. Nine-year-old Henry inherits the crown. Treachery and rebellion blight the years that follow. The Knights Templar lead the Crusades, and the horrors of the Inquisition rage. One man stands both participant and observer: the rebel Lancastrian Baron Frederick de Banastre. Formidable in size and fighting prowess, and lifelong friend of Richard the Lionheart, Frederick is a force to be reckoned with. Frederick saw King John's schemes, and now sees the threats to England and the young king. Frederick's son, Alaric, is a Knight's Templar who shares a damning secret about Christ's Shroud. Meanwhile Frederick's grandsons, Robert and Thurstan, uncover a plot to poison the king. Although the king may not be popular, the de Banastres plan to keep him alive. From the siege of Damietta, to attempts on the young king's life, Frederick de Banastre and his family find themselves caught in the middle of the violent, bloody days after the Magna Carta. Filled with intrigue, battles, treason, trysts, Templars, Siege is the fourth book in the Crusader series by Paul Bannister. Praise for The Crusader Series "Full of action, intrigue and historical insight." - Richard Foreman Paul Bannister is a journalist and author. He is also the author of the Lord of the Narrow Sea series, which includes Arthur Britannicus, Arthur Imperator, Arthur Invictus, The King's Cavalry, A Fragile Peace and Arthur: War's End.