1296 AD: the whole of Western Europe trembles on the brink of war. South of the Pyrenees, the Christian and Moorish kingdoms fight and scheme against each for control of Hispania. To the north, the rival kings of England and France feverishly enlist allies as they battle for supremacy on the Continent. Even as the armies clash, spies and double agents fight their own bloody war in the shadows.

From the safety of old age, En Pascal of Valencia recalls his own exploits in this brutal and treacherous era. As a poor country knight of Aragon, he sets out from home to restore the glory of his famous grandfather, known as the Knight of the Falcon. After winning fame in battle against the Moors, he is forced into exile. With just one loyal servant for company, Pascal is forced to carve out a new life as a mercenary on the battlefields of Aquitaine and Flanders. There he will find love, fame and endless danger...

The CHAMPION (I): BLOOD AND STEEL is the latest historical fiction thriller by David Pilling, author of the Leader of Battles series, Caesar's Sword, The White Hawk, Longsword and many more novels and short stories.