Lions' Forge: The Epic True Story of 5 Kings and the Lion Queen

The Wheel of Fortune spins and spins as the last quarter of the 12th-century turns royal plans and noble alliances on their heads

Henry Plantagenet visits the Becket shrine in sackcloth and ashes and his penitence wins him everything he could have wanted, from England and Ireland to the wealth of half of France.

From his own sons to Scotland to Flanders to the King of France, half of Europe heads off to war with Henry Plantagenet.

Henry has to grapple with Becket’s death and his many sons’ lives, as they begin to reach toward their inheritances.

Henry Plantagenet, the most powerful King of his day, must at last truly confront his one-time best friend, Archbishop Thomas Becket.

From castles to carrots, legends to dynastic plans, the Plantagenets are swept along in the quickening currents of the 12th century.

The fated marriage of Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine is buckling.

Thomas Becket and Louis Capet suddenly possess the power to trouble Henry Plantagenet, whose life faces unimagined new challenges.

Thomas Becket, closest friend of Henry Plantagenet, lover of worldly luxury, battling warrior, Chancellor of England, and now the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

Never again would Henry Plantagenet have such command of his world, success upon success, daring upon daring.