It is 1142 in an England torn by civil war. The Empress Maude is locked in a struggle against her cousin Stephen of Blois, now King Stephen, for the throne of England. On Clayhill Manor, just north of Oxford, Alfred Clayhill has turned fifteen hoping that life becomes as exciting as his crusader knight grandfather's stories of chivalry and warfare. Alfred could never know that the war will be coming to his front door, as the Empress takes up residence at nearby Oxford Castle with King Stephen and his Flemish mercenary commander William of Ypres close on her heels. Young Alfred will lose the life he knew, the people he loves, and the only home that he knows. Can he stand and fight to defend them, or is he unready?