Summary
In the late spring, the tranquil atmosphere of the Moat House is shattered by the urgent peal of its bell. A messenger has arrived with instructions from Sir Daniel Brackley for Sir Oliver Oates, his clerk, summoning the local peasants to assemble. As the villagers gather, they learn that all available armed men must march to Kettley to join Sir Daniel in an impending battle between the forces of Lancaster and York. Whispers of discontent ripple through the crowd as Sir Daniel's reputation as a fickle and opportunistic man precedes him. Known for seizing orphaned children's wardships to expand his lands, it is rumored he even murdered Sir Harry Shelton to claim guardianship over young Dick Shelton and the Moat House estates.
Plans and Prophecies
Under Sir Daniel's guardianship, Dick Shelton is unwittingly destined to marry Joanna Sedley, an orphaned heiress from Kettley. Sir Daniel rides to Kettley to take control of Joanna, leaving Dick behind, oblivious to these machinations, as part of the Moat House garrison. Meanwhile, the seasoned veteran, Nick Appleyard, voices his concerns about the manor's vulnerable defenses amidst the chaos of roaming soldiers from the conflict. His foreboding words soon manifest into reality when a black arrow, emerging from the woods, strikes him fatally. The arrow's message reveals the ruthless hand of John Amend-All, a shadowy outlaw.
The Outlaw's Threats
Sir Oliver, upon reading the ominous message attached to the black arrow, is visibly shaken. His fears are compounded by another message posted on the church door, threatening the lives of Sir Daniel, Sir Oliver, and Bennet Hatch. Dick learns from the outlaw's declaration that Sir Oliver is accused of his father, Sir Harry's, murder. Despite Sir Oliver's protests of innocence, Dick resolves to stay silent until he can uncover more about the situation, intending to remain fair to Sir Daniel in the meantime.
A Dangerous Mission
With the outlaws nearby, Hatch is assigned to defend Moat House, while Dick ventures out with a small band of men-at-arms to find Sir Daniel. Carrying a letter from Sir Oliver, detailing John Amend-All's threats, Dick heads toward Kettley. There, Sir Daniel awaits the result of a battle, planning to switch allegiances to the winning side. Distressed by the outlaw's threats, Sir Daniel dispatches Dick back to Moat House with a letter for Sir Oliver and sends a search party after Joanna, who has escaped disguised as a boy.
An Unexpected Encounter
During his return, Dick crosses paths with Joanna, masquerading as a boy named John Matcham. Unaware of her true identity or her status as Sir Daniel's captive, Dick pledges to help "John" reach the safety of Holywood Abbey. As they navigate their way, they stumble upon Ellis Duckworth, another victim of Sir Daniel's betrayals, leading a camp of outlaws. Witnessing the downfall of Sir Daniel's men-at-arms, Dick is left contemplating the uncertainty of Sir Daniel's allegiance and whether he sides with victors or vanquished.
Peril in the Forest
That night, Dick and Joanna find refuge in the forest. By morning, they witness a chaotic retreat of Sir Daniel's troops, and soon after, they encounter a hooded leper lurking in the woods. The leper turns out to be Sir Daniel in disguise, attempting to sneak back to Moat House. Alarmed by his men-at-arms' defeat, Sir Daniel accuses Dick of mistrust regarding Sir Harry's murder, but Dick remains skeptical despite the knight's and Sir Oliver's denial of involvement. Suddenly, another black arrow strikes the room where they confer, prompting Sir Daniel to fortify Moat House against impending assault. Dick is confined to a room above the chapel, forbidden from...
(This entire section contains 1044 words.)
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seeing "John."
Revelations and Resolve
Under the cover of night, "John" reveals the truth to Dick—that he is actually Joanna, the very girl Sir Daniel intends for him to marry. Warned of imminent danger, Dick escapes into the forest and allies with Duckworth, who vows vengeance on Sir Daniel. Meanwhile, as the tides of war favor Lancaster, Sir Daniel's fortunes rise with theirs. In Shoreby, a Lancastrian stronghold, Joanna is hidden by the sea under Hatch's wife's supervision, while Sir Daniel resides in town with his family.
A Risky Rescue
Determined to rescue Joanna, Dick, accompanied by the outlaw Lawless, sneaks into Shoreby. During their reconnaissance, they cross paths with Lord Foxham, an enemy of Sir Daniel and Joanna's legitimate guardian. Promising to wed Joanna to Dick if they succeed in liberating her, Foxham aids in their attempted sea rescue. However, a ferocious storm nearly capsizes their vessel, injuring Foxham. Winter finds Dick and Lawless back in Shoreby, pretending to be priests in Sir Daniel's house. There, they are sheltered by Alicia Risingham, Joanna's ally and a niece of a powerful Lancastrian lord.
Intervention and Escape
During a secret meeting, Joanna divulges to Dick her impending marriage to Lord Shoreby, arranged against her will. When Dick kills one of Shoreby's spies, the alarm is raised. Sir Oliver promises to protect Dick if he remains hidden in the church until after the nuptials. However, during the night, Lawless brings news that Duckworth's return will thwart the marriage. As the wedding party enters the church, hidden archers let fly their black arrows, killing Lord Shoreby and wounding Sir Daniel. Despite Sir Oliver's betrayal, Dick, with Joanna and Alicia's help, persuades the Earl of Risingham to shield them from Sir Daniel's wrath.
Final Confrontations
After escaping Sir Daniel's men, Dick is captured by the vengeful seaman whose boat he once commandeered. Eluding them by night, he arrives in time to meet young Richard of York. He saves Richard from bandits and fights valiantly in the Battle of Shoreby, where Lancaster suffers defeat, earning knighthood for his courage. In his moment of triumph, Dick requests only the old seaman's freedom.
Closure and New Beginnings
Pursuing Sir Daniel, Dick finally rescues Joanna and brings her to the safety of Holywood. Encountering Sir Daniel in the forest, Dick shows mercy, but Duckworth does not, ending the treacherous knight's life. Dick intercedes to spare Sir Oliver's life. Ultimately, Dick and Joanna marry, choosing a peaceful existence at Moat House, distanced from the turbulent clashes of Lancaster and York. The old seaman and Lawless find sanctuary in their later years, with Lawless embracing a monastic life, eventually passing as a friar.
