A young boy is forcibly taken from his home in 12th Century England to become the companion and whipping boy to a young aristocratic son of the Duke of Buckingham. He endures two years of tyranny before escaping into the vast ancient forest of England.
He finds unexpected friends and companionship amongst vagabonds and thieves, Friars, soldiers, and Herbalists as he travels north to find his home and then further north to find 'the great Lady' who will relieve him of his secret.
Whilst Edward, the Duke's son, tries to re-capture Noel throughout the novel, he leaves in his wake his perversion to cruelty and sadistic behaviors to everyone he encounters. In contrast, Noel continues to uphold wisdom, courage, loyalty, and love for others.
He finds unexpected friends and companionship amongst vagabonds and thieves, Friars, soldiers, and Herbalists as he travels north to find his home and then further north to find 'the great Lady' who will relieve him of his secret.
Whilst Edward, the Duke's son, tries to re-capture Noel throughout the novel, he leaves in his wake his perversion to cruelty and sadistic behaviors to everyone he encounters. In contrast, Noel continues to uphold wisdom, courage, loyalty, and love for others.
