The end of the 12th century, the time of the flourishing Angevin Empire created by Henry II. The empire includes England and a good half of France. Enemies tremble before Henry, but there is no peace in his family — the sons are constantly rebelling against their father's will and quarrelling with each other. Who among them will inherit the crown: the frivolous Hal, the warlike but hot-tempered Richard, the cunning Geoffrey, or the childish John? From the conquered lands of Ireland, a young Irishman O'Cathain arrives in England as a hostage, whom the victors have nicknamed Rufus for his red hair. Here he will meet one of the most legendary warriors in history, Richard Plantagenet, known as Lionheart, — to become his squire, and then a knight, and together participate in dozens of battles. For the first time in Russian!
