In history and literature alike, characters who stand against oppression illuminate the power of faith and courage. These figures inspire us to resist injustice and uphold our beliefs even under the harshest conditions.

From ancient heroes to modern-day activists, their stories remind us that faith is not just a personal conviction but a force that can challenge tyranny and bring about change. Their journeys teach us resilience, hope, and the unwavering strength that comes from standing up for what is right.

Join us as we explore these remarkable characters, their trials, and how their faith shapes their fight against tyranny:

John de Ontivero (Lord of Breckington)
Baron of Breckington, descended from Norman-Iberian stock, John was thrust into leadership at a young age after his father, Sir Roland, died at Arsuf under King Richard. He carries the weight of duty heavily, torn between the expectations of the Church and his conscience. A seasoned Crusader, his loyalty to faith and family often collides with the brutal realities of holy war.

Sir George de Wymondham
John’s closest friend and vassal, George grew up with him, their bond forged in years of training and battle. Raised partly in France, George carries the refinement of French chivalry but also the blunt loyalty of an English knight. Courageous and outspoken, he is often John’s most honest counselor, balancing duty with deep personal loyalty.

Sir Hugh Philip
A stout and pragmatic knight, Hugh comes from a family whose loyalty to Breckington spans generations. He is John’s anchor of realism, cautious and deliberate where others are impetuous. Though skeptical of John’s defiance against ecclesiastical authority, Hugh’s devotion to his lord remains steady.

Reginald “Reggeye” de Saint-Clair
Young and fiery, Reggeye is George’s squire, still learning the balance between zeal and wisdom. His rash act of slaying the inquisitor Sir Renhard Galt sets in motion the perilous conflict that hounds John and his men. Fiercely loyal yet impulsive, Reggeye embodies the dangerous passion of youth.

Ysabeau
A Breton girl of mysterious past, Ysabeau is introduced as a mistreated servant wrongly accused of theft. Taken under George’s protection, she proves resilient and intelligent, fluent in multiple tongues. Her courage and quiet resolve make her more than a burden; she becomes a source of light amid the darkness of betrayal and crusade.

Adelinda
A woman from John’s past, living within Béziers, Adelinda carries both personal and spiritual weight in the story. Her presence reawakens John’s compassion and conflict, reminding him of the human cost of war and offering shelter and counsel to the fleeing survivors.

Abbot Arnaud Amalric
Papal legate and Cistercian abbot, Amalric is both priest and general, wielding scripture and strategy with equal authority. He represents the merciless zeal of the Crusade, more concerned with obedience and annihilation than mercy. His clashes with John expose the widening gulf between conscience and command.