Author Description

March 1327. Sir Walt Radulf now released from the king's prison in London and granted a full pardon, including the return of his confiscated land, is on his way home to Syhale, his manor in Northumberland. His demesne on this manor was in the name of his wife Katherine and thus spared confiscation. Unknown to Walt, even this land is now in jeopardy and Katherine has huge debts, mainly incurred by the amount of money spent by Walt, paying for bribes to assure his comforts during his period of incarceration. Walt must struggle to get his land returned from those now occupying it, who are reluctant to vacate without a direct order from the king, necessitating further appeals to the king's court. King Edward's subsequent granting of the Barony of Plenderleith in the Scottish borders to Walt is not without obligations. These will have far reaching and disastrous effects on the Radulf family's plans for their future, after the return of King David Bruce to Scotland and the drums of war once again beating in the border areas.