Showing results for "william" in Ancient

Suffering invasions, riots, and hunger, the decaying Roman Empire staggers against its most ancient enemy—Persia. Undefeated in over a century, the Shahanshah’s vast armies cross the Tigris, hungry to reclaim lands that once had been the jewel of their heritage. Driving Persia’s invasion are the vaunted Immortals, an elite band of Persian warriors unmatched in prowess. Set against the invading forces are the undermanned and ill-equipped forces of Flavius Belisarius.

The fifth century has dawned in blood. The young boy exiled 30 years ago has grown into a man. One stormy autumn day, a mysterious rider is seen out on the plains. Attila has returned, his sentence served, to claim his kingdom. He will ride out at the head of no more than 100 chosen men, driven by the ambition to unite all the feuding Hunnish and Scythian tribes under single banner and a single king.

Honor is secondary to survival. Reeling from their losses at Callinicum, the Roman army has repulsed the Persians from Mesopotamia, but at horrendous cost. Belisarius’ improbable triumph at Dara is cast aside by a vengeful legate, condemning Constantinople’s vaunted general to ignominious imprisonment. With his last order, Belisarius pleads with Varus to lead the army to safety and to bring peace to a shattered land.

This sweeping narrative spans two decades, from Normandy's shores to Constantinople's walls. Following both historical figures and compelling fictional characters, it explores power, legitimacy, and the price of ambition. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Sharon Kay Penman, The Bastard's Crown offers a fresh perspective on how one man's determination to prove himself reshaped medieval England forever. Experience the intrigue, battles, and human drama that transformed a single year—1066—into a turning point that still echoes today.