Poitiers was past but it changed the life of Sir John Hawkwood for he gained his spurs and that was another step on his journey to becoming the leader he was desperate to be. Once he realised that he had more ambition than just to serve the King of England he joined forces with Albert Sterz and formed a company of mercenaries who hired out their swords. Fighting for the King of England against Burgundy they gained a reputation that made others fear and hate them. When Sir John is robbed of his fortune by the murder of his banker then he had an enemy to pursue. He learns to become a political animal who chooses friends wisely. His enemies just proliferate with each victory. The defeats merely make him and the White Company, even stronger!
This is the third book in the John Hawkwood series. The man is a complicated character and is not as immediately likeable as characters like Sir Aelfraed, William Strongstaff or Gerald War bow. That is because unlike those fictional characters he is real although his early years are murk enough for me to have fun with his development.
The novel shows the transition from one of the King’s warriors to a mercenary. We meet real characters from the period; men like Albert Sterz. We see him still fighting for the Black Prince but this time as one of the White Company.
His private life is also complicated. We know he had two wives and illegitimate children. That was the norm for the time. I have used my imagination and the way I see John to create those relationships.
The book ends in Italy and that is where, in the future, Sir John Hawkwood will enjoy enduring fame but the journey is far from over.
