The Disorderly Knights

The Disorderly Knights takes Francis Crawford into dark territory. Instead of defending himself against false accusations motivated by political ambition, or uncovering plots against the child queen of Scotland, Crawford finds himself in a struggle with plain evil. True to form for the Lymond Chronicles, it is an evil no one else recognizes. Because of Crawford's past, it is easy even for his friends and family to believe that it is really him who is the problem. This story explores a new aspect of the familiar Lymond Chronicles theme, deceptive appearances: physical beauty and pleasant appearances as tools for distraction and deception.

This story introduces the shadow of deep sadness into what had been a fairly lighthearted adventure tale. At a moment when, no longer an outlaw, Francis Crawford could begin to pursue all the inviting possibilities open to a talented, wealthy and handsome young man of good family, he is instead hijacked into a nightmarish conflict. And at the end, you know there will be more conflict to come.

The Disorderly Knights begins and ends in Scotland, and travels to France, Malta and Tripoli from 1548 to 1551. As always, Crawford's adventures are woven into the events and political intrigues of the time.