Sword of Aragon by David Pilling (The Champion Novella)

 

SWORD OF ARAGON is a short prequel to THE CHAMPION series by David Pilling

As long as the world will last, not one will speak in France about Catalonia without remembering terrible things...”
1285 AD: the kingdom of Aragon is under threat. Philip the Bold, king of France, is poised to invade with a massive army. The French have the blessing of the pope. They intend to conquer Aragon and place Philip's son, Prince Charles, on the vacant throne.
Hopelessly outnumbered, King Peter of Aragon calls upon his Almogavars to defend the kingdom. These rough warriors, farmers and shepherds, are sent to guard the mountain passes against the invading host of crusaders.
The Almogavars are led by César, a brave soldier of Valencia. As he struggles to hold back the tide, Philip of France destroys towns and cities and slaughters entire populations. It seems only God can save Aragon from being drowned in blood. To win the favour of Heaven, César must steal a holy French relic, the Crown of Thorns... 

Genre: - Historical Fiction