Bringing to life the violence, action and heroism of the battlefield, this brilliant recreation of the Battle of the Poitiers in 1356 follows a severely outnumbered English army as they, through the ingenious planning of Edward the Black Prince, defeated the French and captured the Poiters and French King John II. 150,000 first printing "The most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today" (Wall Street Journal) delivers another thrilling page-turner in this tale of peril and conquest at the Battle of Poitiers.September 1356, France: The English army?led by the heir to the throne, the Black Prince?is set to invade, while the French, along with their Scottish allies, are ready to hunt their enemy down. But what if there was a weapon that could decide the outcome of the war?Thomas of Hookton, known as le Batard, has orders to uncover the lost sword of Saint Peter, a blade with mystical powers said to grant certain victory to whoever possesses her. The French seek the weapon, too, and so Thomas's quest will be thwarted at every turn by battle and betrayal, by promises made and oaths broken.Rich with colorful characters, great adventure, and vivid battle scenes, 1356 tells a magnificent story of the quest for a holy relic with the power to change history?a quest that culminates in an epic and unforgettable struggle.