In the Days of Chivalry: A Tale of the Times of the Black Prince

In Short

Set against the vibrant, tumultuous backdrop of the 14th century, this novel follows Gaston and Raymond, twin brothers raised in the forests of Gascony, as they venture to England to recover their ancestral identity and estates. Their path leads them into the service of the Black Prince, where they hone their skills as knights and men of conviction. Along the way, they encounter treacherous villains and the devastating reality of the Great Plague, which tests their resolve and moral integrity. More than a simple chronicle of warfare and medieval spectacle, the story is an exploration of fraternal loyalty and the preservation of virtue in an age of violence, ultimately securing its place as an enduring example of historical fiction.

The Story

The narrative begins in the lush forests of Gascony, where the "lion cubs," Gaston and Raymond, live in quiet obscurity with their widowed mother’s legacy as their only compass. Guided by the stories of their late father, who perished at Bannockburn, the twins resolve to cross the channel to England to claim their rightful heritage. Their journey is one of rapid maturation; they trade their forest life for the disciplined rigor of the English court, where they earn the favor of the Black Prince and the companionship of fellow noblemen.

As the brothers grow into manhood, their lives diverge from personal ambition into the wider conflicts of the Hundred Years' War. They distinguish themselves on the battlefield, notably at Crécy, where their valor proves their worth. However, the narrative is not merely one of martial glory. The twins become entangled in the schemes of the malevolent Sanghurst family, who seek to exploit the mysterious psychic gifts of a youth named Roger, whom the brothers take under their protection. Simultaneously, the brothers are deeply affected by the arrival of the Black Death. Their cousin John’s house in Guildford becomes a sanctuary for the dying, where Raymond, in particular, finds his youthful idealism challenged by the stark, brutal reality of human suffering.

The arc of their quest centers on two major goals: the recovery of their ancestral home, Basildene, and the liberation of their family lands in France, the Castle of Saut. Gaston, the more physically imposing of the two, channels his energy into military conquest and the securing of royal warrants, while Raymond, sensitive and thoughtful, finds himself drawn to the moral complexities of leadership and his enduring love for the noble Joan.

The climax of their journey sees the brothers succeed in their respective missions. Gaston, now a recognized lord, successfully maneuvers to reclaim Saut, while Raymond restores the honor of Basildene. Their success is tempered by the sacrifices they have made and the tragic loss of their cousin John, who dies of exhaustion after his selfless efforts during the plague. In the end, the twins stand as pillars of their respective domains, reunited by their shared history and the unbreakable bond of their brotherhood. The story concludes with a promise of continued peace, as the brothers look forward to a future where their hard-won stability allows them to foster happiness for those they love, finally fulfilling the dreams their mother planted in their hearts long ago.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins The twins leave their Gascon forest, motivated by the stories of their father’s service to the English crown. After a rough sea passage, they arrive at Southampton, eager to integrate themselves into a society that feels both foreign and familiar.

The training of knights Under the guidance of an honest soldier, the brothers master the art of the sword and the practice of tilting. This training leads them directly into the inner circle of the Black Prince, where they are entrusted with secret missions and royal badges of favor.

The shadow of the enemy The brothers cross paths with the villainous Sanghursts, who use dark, manipulative methods to control the young and sensitive Roger. This conflict forces the twins to confront the reality that noble birth does not preclude the existence of deep-seated malice.

The test of the plague The narrative shifts from the battlefield to the domestic sphere as the Black Death ravages the countryside. Raymond and his cousin John dedicate themselves to the sick, exposing the brothers to the harsh, grim, and sacrificial realities of the era.

The final reclamation Gaston and Raymond leverage their military reputation and royal support to reclaim their family castles. They successfully confront their enemies, securing their future and providing a sense of closure to their long-standing quest for ancestral recognition.

The People

Gaston de Brocas is the physically robust and naturally dominant brother. With his bright blue eyes and leonine appearance, he is a born warrior who thrives in the tactical environment of the Black Prince’s court. His primary struggle is the reclamation of his heritage, and he evolves from an impulsive youth into a decisive, formidable lord who understands the weight of responsibility.

Raymond de Brocas serves as the contemplative counterpoint to his brother. With his fair complexion and deep, dark eyes, he possesses a sensitive soul that is frequently troubled by the violence he witnesses. He struggles with the moral ambiguity of the world and finds his purpose through service to the sick and his unwavering devotion to Joan.

Joan is the radiant and stately woman who captures Raymond’s heart. She is defined by her grace and independence, moving through the story with a quiet, observant strength. She is the anchor of Raymond’s emotional life, providing him with a sense of home and future that grounds him amidst the chaos of war.

John de Brocas acts as the brothers’ mentor and cousin. He is a man of intellectual depth and profound charity. His sacrifice during the plague years marks a turning point in the brothers’ lives, transforming his memory into the moral compass that directs their actions in their later, more powerful years.

Peter Sanghurst is the primary antagonist. He is a man of singular malevolence and dark, occult interests. He stands as the embodiment of the corruption the brothers must overcome, representing the shadows of the past that seek to prevent their success.

In Its Own Voice

The sun still retained much of its heat and power, and came slanting in between the huge trunks of the forest trees in broad shafts of quivering light.

This passage describes the beautiful, quiet atmosphere of the Gascony forest where the twin brothers first begin to dream of their future.

My son, I see the shrinking and astonishment in thine eyes; but yet I would for a moment that thou couldst see with mine.

Father Paul speaks these words to Raymond, urging the young man to look past the superficial glory of chivalry to understand the deeper, often darker, truth of the world.

The twin brothers of Basildene, repeated Raymond dreamily, gazing round him with smiling eyes, as he held Joan's hand fast in his.

In the closing moments of the narrative, Raymond reflects on the long, difficult journey that has finally brought him back to his true home.

What It's Really About

At its heart, the book is an inquiry into the nature of duty. It asks whether one can maintain personal integrity and compassion while participating in the brutal machinery of war and feudal politics. Through the experiences of Gaston and Raymond, the narrative argues that true nobility is not merely a matter of bloodline, but of the choices one makes when faced with suffering and moral temptation.

The story also explores the tension between romanticized chivalry and the harsh reality of the Middle Ages. By juxtaposing the pageantry of the Black Prince’s campaigns with the harrowing, selfless work required to combat the plague, the book forces both the characters and the reader to define what it means to be a "soldier of the Cross." It suggests that the most profound victories are not those won on the field of battle, but those secured through the quiet, exhausting, and often invisible work of mercy.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy classic historical adventures will find much to admire in this story. It offers an immersive experience, capturing the period’s atmosphere with a sincerity that feels distinct from more modern, cynical interpretations of the Middle Ages. The book captures the dualities of the era—the interplay between the light of high-minded ideals and the darkness of superstition and disease.

However, a contemporary reader should be prepared for the earnest, sometimes didactic tone common to the period's juvenile fiction. The prose is deliberately paced, favoring descriptive richness and moral reflection over the rapid-fire action sequences seen in today’s thrillers. Additionally, the book reflects the attitudes of its time regarding class and the inherent "Englishness" of its protagonists, which may feel dated to some.

Despite these elements, the central theme of the enduring bond between the twins remains deeply resonant. The story’s depiction of the plague—and the human response to it—is handled with a surprising amount of gravity and grace. For those who appreciate a slow-burn narrative that values character growth, historical setting, and a strong sense of place, this book offers a rewarding journey. It is a work that lingers, not because of its spectacle, but because of the genuine warmth and persistent hope it finds in its characters. It reminds us that even in the most unforgiving times, the pursuit of one's own sense of honor remains a noble, if difficult, calling.