
audiobook
by A. D. (Augustine David) Crake
BRIAN FITZ-COUNT
PREFACE
CHAPTER I THE LORD OF THE CASTLE
CHAPTER II THE CHASE
CHAPTER III WHO STRUCK THE STAG?
CHAPTER IV IN THE GREENWOOD
CHAPTER V CWICHELM'S HLAWE
CHAPTER VI ON THE DOWNS
CHAPTER VII DORCHESTER ABBEY
CHAPTER VIII THE BARON AND HIS PRISONERS
Set against the turbulent backdrop of 12th‑century England, the tale opens on a moonlit night at Wallingford Castle, where the formidable Brian Fitz‑Count patrols the ramparts overlooking the Thames. A seasoned Norman baron, he bears the weight of recent civil war, the grim reputation of his dungeons, and a lingering sense of remorse that hints at a possible change of heart. Through his eyes the reader encounters the stark realities of medieval life—fierce loyalties, brutal justice, and the uneasy coexistence of piety and superstition.
Beyond the stone walls, the narrative weaves in the ancient stones of Dorchester Abbey, a sanctuary born from the ruins of a bishop’s palace and steeped in whispered traditions. Early hints of a hidden lineage—a secret about Osric’s birth—loom over the characters, inviting listeners to piece together the subtle ironies of fate. Richly detailed landscapes and authentic period dialogue bring the era to life, offering a vivid portrait of power, faith, and the human stories that shaped them.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (476K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2017-04-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1836–1890
An English cleric and storyteller, he wrote devotional books and lively historical fiction for young readers, often setting church history and English legend into memorable adventures. His best-known works include the Aescendune chronicles, a series that helped keep his name in print long after his death.
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