King Henry struggles to overthrow the Parliament, and Simon readies the whole of England to resist the mercenary armies the king’s allies send against them. Though Simon refuses to be crowned king, he is very much in control. This is truly the age of Robin Hood, of the longed-for king who will liberate the people. And now the lords become jealous. England is divided; the people support Simon, hailing him as the Angel with the Sword, the Herald of the Apocalypse. The great barons seek his overthrow, even at the cost of letting Parliament be destroyed. Prince Edward, brought up by Simon and devoted to him, is torn between the warring parties — and fearful of committing the sin of Absalom: raising his hand in war against his father.
King Henry struggles to overthrow the Parliament, and Simon readies the whole of England to resist the mercenary armies the king’s allies send against them. Though Simon refuses to be crowned king, he is very much in control. This is truly the age of Robin Hood, of the longed-for king who will liberate the people. And now the lords become jealous. England is divided; the people support Simon, hailing him as the Angel with the Sword, the Herald of the Apocalypse. The great barons seek his overthrow, even at the cost of letting Parliament be destroyed. Prince Edward, brought up by Simon and devoted to him, is torn between the warring parties — and fearful of committing the sin of Absalom: raising his hand in war against his father.