The Forest of Arden was a dangerous place for travelers during the lawless period when King Richard was away in Jerusalem fighting the Crusades. Bands of robbers waylaid the unwary, taking all their possessions and very often their lives as well.

John Fitzwilliam, 15, was given the name of Lost John when he was found wandering about in the Forest of Arden by the outlaws whose leader was the notorious Ralf the Red. John had left home because the stepfather he hated had usurped his castle and fortune. He had set out to find the man who had killed his father and hoped to avenge his murder. Captured, John became a member of the band because he hero-worshipped Sir Ralf who became a substitute father. John's destiny was soon bound up with those of Ralf and his son, and when the proud, ruthless outlaw gave his life to save John, the unusual happened...

From the dust jacket of the American edition