
A young boy named Paul lives in the bustling town of Lichfield, where excitement fills the air as King Henry’s royal party prepares to pass through. His mother, a gentle and protective figure, watches him grow with a mixture of pride and worry, especially as the kingdom edges toward the looming clash of the Wars of the Roses. The story opens with vivid scenes of tournaments, archery practice, and the hopeful anticipation of a grand procession that promises both celebration and uncertainty.
Paul yearns to shed his childhood skin and stand beside his older brothers, eager to prove his bravery for the Red Rose of Lancaster. As rumors of conflict spread, everyday life intertwines with moments of danger—a brush with robbers, a shelter offered to strangers, and an unexpected encounter that tests his courage. Through these early adventures, listeners glimpse the tension of a nation on the brink while sharing in Paul’s heartfelt bond with his family and his longing to become a true protector.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (318K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2005-05-05
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1856–1932
Known for a huge range of historical adventures, family stories, and books for young readers, this prolific Victorian and Edwardian novelist wrote with a gift for brisk plots and clear moral stakes. Her work remained popular enough to find new life in digital libraries long after her death.
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