Striker King, Warhorse — Robert M. Johnson

1357 had been a year of intense activity, the seaport of Cherbourg in northern France had become a hub of English movement. The army of the Black Prince had chosen Caen and Cherbourg for disembarking from France back to England, destination London itself. Calais was too far to the east, across territory that still flew the French flag. There was talk of the King and the French Dauphin being ransomed and returned to Paris from their captivity in London. Marshal Will Burton was still in charge of the castle of Malfleur in the duchy of Cherbourg, liege to Lord Henry de BeauCourt of RocheFontaine. Will Burton, hero of the battle of Poitiers that saw the French King, John the First, captured by the soldiers of the Black Prince of England. Will had made himself known as an archer and a leader of men at a very early age. His knowledge of the French language, his ability to read and write in several languages set him apart from his contemporaries. And Will Burton was decidedly a man of war. In France, early in the year of our Lord 1358, something was still missing to the accomplishments of young Will Burton. His liege lord, Henry of RocheFontaine, had already decided that this young man must become a Knight. For this reason, he had commissioned one of his most trusted knights, a man named Louis Renfree to mentor the young man in the art of war. Young Will had already mastered two of the finest weapons of warfare: the Longbow and the short Sword. Now he must gain mastery of the broad sword and the mace and learn to fight on horseback. He must become adept with the Lance and gain renown in the tournaments held annually throughout France.